Methods Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org/resources/research-papers/bc-history-6547.htm Comstock laws The Comstock Act , (ch. 258 17 Stat. 598 enacted March 3 , 1873 ) is a United States federal law which made it illegal to send any "obscene, lewd, and/or lascivious" materials through the mail, including contraceptive devices and information. In addition to banning contraceptives,