The Comstock Act, enacted in 1873, was a federal law in the United States that aimed to suppress the distribution of obscene materials. Named after Anthony Comstock, a prominent anti-vice activist, the law prohibited the mailing of any items deemed obscene, including contraceptives and information about birth control. It reflected the moral standards of the time and sought to protect society from what was considered immoral content. Over the years, the Comstock Act faced criticism for infringing on personal freedoms and limiting access to reproductive health information. Its provisions were challenged in courts, leading to significant legal debates about obscenity and censorship. The act's influence has diminished, but it remains a historical reference point in discussions about sexual health and rights.