Official Senate voting records and public announcements

Sen. Tina Smith Leads Democrats to Repeal 151-Year-Old Comstock Act Amid Abortion Ban Concerns

Jun 20, 2024, 01:21 PM

Democrats are moving to repeal the Comstock Act, a 151-year-old law that could be used by former President Trump to ban abortion nationwide. Senator Tina Smith will introduce the legislation today, aiming to prevent antiabortion advocates from using the law to restrict abortions. The Comstock Act, originally passed in 1873, bans the mailing of 'indecent' materials, which could include abortion pills or tools used to perform abortions. Representative Becca Balint is also introducing the Stop Comstock Act to get the law off the books. The move comes in response to concerns that Trump and other Republicans might misuse the antiquated law to impose a nationwide abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.