Repealing Law Prohibiting Contraceptive Advertising of the 1873 Comstock Act
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Letter addressed to the Majority Leader of the Upper House of the New York State Legislature requesting a repeal of the law against contraceptive advertising. 1969. Printed on onionskin and signed in blue pen “MB” for Mary Booth. 1 page typewritten. The 1873 Comstock Act was a federal law designed to prevent the distribution of immoral material and was used to censor materials relating to birth control, putting medical advice and pornography on the same plane. The law was protested nationwide including in this letter arguing that censorship would be the direct cause of unwanted pregnancy during a time when abortion was also illegal. Letter reads in part, “Such young people assume it is not too risky to engage in sex without contraceptive protection. The result: fatherless children, fatherless and motherless children; with the present law making medical abortion felonious.” The link between censoring sexual education and criminalizing abortion would provide the basis for the culture wars that would define the end of American twentieth century. Light tonight, creased where folded. Handwritten note in blue ink across top reads, “Please write your state senators and assemblyman asking for repeal of this law, It is a law which perpetuates and causes poverty and sexual misery.” Interestingly, the letter writer shares a name with 19th century abolitionist and suffragist Mary Booth. Very good condition.Item #18162
Price: $185.00
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