The Comstock Laws were a set of federal laws enacted in the United States in 1873, aimed at regulating and prohibiting the distribution of obscene materials. Named after Anthony Comstock, a social reformer and anti-vice crusader, these laws targeted items such as contraceptives, abortion-related information, and sexually explicit literature. The laws were intended to protect public morality but often faced criticism for infringing on personal freedoms. Over time, the Comstock Laws became increasingly controversial, leading to legal challenges and changes in societal attitudes toward sexuality and reproductive rights. Many provisions were eventually struck down or weakened, reflecting a shift towards greater acceptance of individual rights and access to information regarding sexual health and family planning.