In a passionate State of the Union address, President Joe Biden highlighted a range of pressing issues, with reproductive freedom taking center stage. While his speech resonated with many, there were notable omissions that caught the attention of reproductive rights and justice advocates.

One crucial term missing from Biden's address was "Comstock," a word that carries significant weight in the upcoming election. The Comstock Act, instigated by anti-vice crusader Anthony Comstock, was enacted by Congress in 1873. This legislation outlawed the mailing of materials deemed indecent or immoral, including those related to the prevention of conception or abortion.

Though the Comstock Act has not been enforced for nearly a century, its potential implications have recently resurfaced. Anti-abortion activists argue that this archaic law, originally interpreted to apply only to unlawful abortion and contraception, should now serve as a de facto national abortion ban. This argument raises concerns as it threatens to undermine the progress made in states where abortion is legal.

These extremists posit that as abortion-inducing pills, instruments, and supplies often travel through the mail, the Trump administration could exploit the Comstock Act to restrict abortion access nationwide. Such a move would gravely impact the ability of healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care to their patients.

Despite attempts by anti-abortion activists to keep their plans discreet, discussions regarding the Comstock Act have emerged in a Supreme Court case involving abortion pills. There have also been explicit references to this legislation in a strategy paper outlining the initial 180 days of a potential Republican administration. The absence of exceptions for the pregnant patient's health or life, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest further adds to the urgency surrounding this issue.

The Democratic party has been criticized for the failure to elevate the term "Comstock" and expose the dangers it poses to abortion rights. While President Biden aims to restore protections afforded by Roe v. Wade, this message alone may not be sufficient to mobilize voters. Concerned citizens need to understand the formidable threat the Comstock Act represents, as a Trump administration could undermine abortion rights without enacting any new laws.

To fully convey the risks at hand, Biden must not only paint a harrowing picture of the present challenges but also emphasize the potential severity if the Comstock Act were to resurge. The stories shared by individuals like Kate Cox, who was able to access the abortion she needed in another state, highlight the importance of ensuring safe havens for legal abortion. The fate of hundreds of thousands of abortion-seekers nationwide hangs in the balance.

It is imperative to recognize the significance of the upcoming presidential election for protecting abortion rights. Although President Biden cannot unilaterally restore abortion access in states with restrictive bans, his leadership can prevent the nation from reverting to the oppressive times of 1873, when Comstock's narrow views on sexuality undermined the constitutional and human rights of women.

The call to action is clear: President Biden must actively address the ominous threat posed by the Comstock Act. By pairing the message of hope to "Restore Reproductive Freedom" with the urgency of "Stop Comstock," voters can be made aware of the tangible risks at stake. Their informed choices at the polls can help safeguard the rights and autonomy of women across the country.