Driven by a traumatic past and deeply rooted in Victorian moral panic, Anthony Comstock dedicated his life to eradicating “obscenity” and restricting women’s access to contraception. He became a staunch advocate for moral purity and sought to eradicate obscenity, which at this time included; romance ;novels, medical information and devices – believing all of it to be a threat to his firmly held Christian values.
The culmination of Anthony Comstock’s efforts was the passage of the Comstock Act in 1873. This Act criminalized the distribution of “obscene materials,” including contraceptive information and devices. Its aim was to ‘protect’ women by limiting their access to the things Anthony Comstock deemed indecent.
This Act criminalized the distribution of “obscene materials,” including contraceptive information and devices.
The Comstock Act’s criminalization of contraception had profound implications for reproductive rights. Access to information about contraception was severely restricted, limiting people’s ability to make informed choices about their own bodies, families and reproductive health. This oppressive restriction on reproductive rights persisted for decades, reinforcing traditional gender norms and perpetuating extensive gender inequality. A series of court cases eventually overturned much of the Comstock Act. Most famously Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965, which legalized contraception, though only for married couples.
Despite Anthony Comstock’s best efforts to suppress information about contraception, there were people who bravely resisted these oppressions. These brave souls worked tirelessly to challenge the restrictive laws and advocate for reproductive rights and sexual freedom. And although many of them were not successful, their stories of resistance continue to inspire advocates today.
This oppressive restriction on reproductive rights persisted for decades, reinforcing traditional gender norms and perpetuating extensive gender inequality.
Through this historical lens, we gain a deeper understanding of the shared history between the criminalization of sex work and the criminalization of reproductive justice. Both movements seek to control and regulate marginalized peoples bodies and choices. The fight for sex worker rights has always been intricately linked to the broader struggle for access to reproductive health care and bodily autonomy.
In our modern society, where the fight for reproductive rights continues still, it is essential to recognize these lessons from history. The legacy of Anthony Comstock serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of moral panic and the suppression of information and limits on personal freedoms. By understanding the past, we can better comprehend the challenges faced by those who fought against oppressive forces, and draw inspiration from their resilience, to continue the fight today.
Learn More: Old Pros Resource Guide on Reproductive Justice & Sex Worker Rights
