URGING REPEAL OF THE COMSTOCK ACT

WHEREAS, the Comstock Act, a 150-year-old sexist and invasive law, remains on the books despite being dormant, presenting a potential threat to reproductive freedom and access to abortion medication and contraceptives; and

WHEREAS, being able to control one's fertility was a critical advance in both women's health and economic mobility, allowing women to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures, and contributing significantly to their social and economic empowerment; and

WHEREAS, recent oral arguments before the Supreme Court, featuring references to the Comstock Act by conservative justices, signal a concerning willingness to turn back the clock on reproductive rights and potentially use the act as a tool to restrict access to abortion medication and contraceptives; and

WHEREAS, the potential enforcement of the Comstock Act under a right-wing administration poses a serious threat to reproductive healthcare, including abortion medication, and could serve as a backdoor to banning abortion and limiting access to vital contraceptives:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will urge for the immediate repeal of the Comstock Act to safeguard reproductive freedom and ensure access to safe and effective abortion medication and contraceptives for all individuals; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will demand action to prevent the enforcement of the Comstock Act and any attempts to use it as a tool to restrict reproductive healthcare options; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will call upon lawmakers and advocacy groups to take proactive measures to protect reproductive rights, including advocating for comprehensive reproductive health legislation and opposing any efforts to undermine access to essential reproductive healthcare services.

Adopted May 28, 2025