U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on Leaked Audio Confirming Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche Plans to Restrict Medication Abortion Access Nationwide, Including in[...]

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after breaking news from POLITICO that Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche is working with federal agencies "so that the Dobbs decision becomes permanent in every single state" by banning the mailing of medication abortion, such as mifepristone:

"Dismantling Roe v. Wade was never Republicans' endgame, and we've always known they've wanted to go further. They grew quieter about their next moves after the fierce public backlash in the wake of the Dobbs decision, but we knew the Trump Administration wouldn't rest until every woman in America was subject to an abortion ban, including in states where abortion rights are protected by state law," says Smith.

"Todd Blanche made clear in these secret calls with anti-choice activists that he wants to resurrect the Comstock Act - an antiquated anti-vice law from before women had the right to vote - to ban sending medication abortion in the mail. Republicans will likely do what they always do and confirm Blanche as Attorney General despite all of this, and once again, women across America will pay the price," she continued.

"We're going to fight back in the courts, and when we take back power, we need to be ready to pass my Stop Comstock Act to make sure no administration can abuse this zombie law ever again," Smith concluded.

Smith's Stop Comstock Act would repeal language in the Comstock Laws that could be used by an anti-abortion administration to ban the mailing of mifepristone and other drugs used in medication abortions, instruments and equipment used in abortions, and educational material related to sexual health. Medication abortion is how nearly 60% of abortions take place in this country today. It is the most common form of abortion in the United States. Smith is the only sitting U.S. Senator to have worked for Planned Parenthood, where she served as an executive for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

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