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 They dive deep into the historical context of outdated laws like the Comstock Act and their contemporary ramifications.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
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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 This trend raises significant concerns about the interpretation of outdated statutes and their potential to undermine established reproductive rights.
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