Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche tells faith leaders in a private call that he is working to roll back abortion access, including in states that currently protect abortion rights. Multiple outlets report Blanche spoke on a “prayer call” hosted by the White House Faith Office, which was not open to press and was described as off the record, though a recording of the call later appeared online. According to the reports, Blanche said the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision should become “permanent in every single state,” adding that he expects “victory” soon. He also referenced efforts to prevent abortion-related practices in states hostile to reproductive rights, including restricting access to abortion pills.
The coverage also notes the call contrasts with Blanche’s earlier confirmation-hearing comments, where he said he would “carefully evaluate” lawful actions related to the Comstock Act, an older federal law that restricts the mailing of certain reproductive-related materials. One report says the Justice Department is “putting practices and policies in place” to block distribution of common abortion medications to states that ban abortion, potentially involving the Comstock Act. The reports mention political reaction from lawmakers who characterize the statements as a pledge to further pursue nationwide restrictions.
