Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast Mary Ziegler, Peter Shamshiri & Michael Liroff
Jan 1, 2025
Mary Ziegler, an expert on reproductive rights, joins Peter Shamshiri and Michael Liroff, co-hosts of 5-4, to discuss the shifting legal landscape surrounding abortion in America. They dive deep into the historical context of outdated laws like the Comstock Act and their contemporary ramifications. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of a second Trump term on civil liberties and the judiciary. The trio emphasizes the fragility of democracy, raising concerns about the intertwining of political power and private interests.
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Legal Framework Evolution
- The first Trump administration struggled legally due to a lack of framework for their policies.
- Now, they've found ways to repackage old laws to push their agenda.
Shift in Anti-Abortion Tactics
- Anti-abortion groups realized federal-level restrictions are unpopular with voters.
- They shifted to enforcing old, unenforced laws through nominally independent prosecutors.
Comstock Act & Abortion
- The Comstock Act of 1873, an obscenity law, included abortion due to its perceived link to illicit sex.
- Anti-abortion groups now use its language to restrict abortion-related items nationwide.