Conservative Supreme Court Justices Refer to Comstock Act in Major Abortion Pill Case
During recent arguments in a major abortion pill case, conservative justices on the Supreme Court referenced the long-dormant Comstock Act, sparking debate within the anti-abortion movement. There have been calls to enforce the Comstock Act, a federal law from the 19th century aimed at banning the mailing of abortion medication.
However, there is uncertainty among anti-abortion advocates about the potential impact of enforcing the law on medication abortion. Some fear that using the Comstock Act could further limit abortion rights, causing concerns among abortion rights supporters.
The Comstock Act has played a minimal role in the current case against the FDA concerning mifepristone regulations, with Justices Alito and Thomas questioning its relevance. The Supreme Court’s decision in this case could have a significant impact on abortion rights and the enforcement of the Comstock Act.
Legal experts believe that if the Comstock Act is enforced differently, it could potentially end the provision of medication abortion nationwide. The candidate who wins the presidency in 2024 could play a crucial role in deciding whether the Comstock Act will be enforced in the future.
Interestingly, former President Trump has not publicly weighed in on the Comstock Act or related questions about abortion pill regulation. Some anti-abortion advocates are cautious about aggressively enforcing the law, fearing a possible political backlash.
As the Supreme Court weighs its decision in the abortion pill case, the potential implications of the Comstock Act on abortion rights remain a topic of intense debate and speculation within legal and political circles.