Why abortion advocates are alarmed by Todd Blanche as attorney general

PoliticsOpinion
9 Aug 2026 • 8:15 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why abortion advocates are alarmed by Todd Blanche as attorney general

  • Attorney General Todd Blanche was confirmed by a narrow 50-49 vote, sparking alarm among reproductive health advocates.
  • Gowri Buddiga, interim managing director of Free & Just, said Blanche has “openly vowed to use that power to ban abortion” and will “roll back access to care everywhere,” including in states where abortion is currently protected.
  • Leaked audio revealed Blanche vowing to make the Supreme Court's decision overturning abortion rights "permanent in every single state" and restrict mail-order abortion drugs.
  • Reproductive rights organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights, labeled Blanche's confirmation a "red alert for reproductive rights.”
  • Under questioning, Blanche committed to reviewing the Justice Department’s interpretation of the 1873 Comstock Act, which makes it illegal to send a variety of objects, including “abortion-causing articles” via mail.

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