Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast cover image

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 They dive deep into the historical context of outdated laws like the Comstock Act and their contemporary ramifications.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.
36:27

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The revival of 19th-century zombie laws, like the Comstock Act, threatens to severely limit reproductive rights across the United States.
  • Increased reliance on executive orders due to congressional dysfunction signifies a worrying trend toward unchecked executive power and policy-making.

Deep dives

The Rise of Zombie Laws

Zombie laws, such as the Comstock Act, are being revisited and adapted by modern anti-abortion advocates to limit reproductive rights. These laws, which originated in the 19th century, were initially designed to prevent 'immoral' behaviors but are now being resurrected to impose restrictions on abortion access across the United States. Legal experts highlight that such laws could lead to severe implications, including the criminalization of receiving and ordering abortion-related medications online, regardless of state laws. This trend raises significant concerns about the interpretation of outdated statutes and their potential to undermine established reproductive rights.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode