Kamlager-Dove Announces Kara James of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles’ Black Health Initiative as State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) announced that Kara James, a nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) and founding member of its Black Health Initiative, will accompany the Congresswoman to the State of the Union.  

“I’m deeply honored to welcome Kara James (MSN, RN, FNP-C, PHN) to join me at this year's State of the Union Address," Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove said. "Kara has been a fierce advocate for reproductive justice and has worked directly in the Los Angeles community to address the disparities affecting the reproductive health of Black and Brown women. In light of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, Kara's advocacy has become even more critical. As the architect of Planned Parenthood LA’s Black Health Initiative, she has created systems within Planned Parenthood LA that are modeled in other states across the nation."

"With Republican lawmakers intensifying their efforts to restrict reproductive freedoms—including access to abortion care, contraception, and access to fertility treatments, the gaps in care for Black women are only growing. I’m proud to uplift Kara’s work as a nurse practitioner at PPLA’s Black Health Initiative," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. "Through this initiative, Kara and her team make it a priority to provide Black women with behavioral services, prenatal services, and doula care. As we work to restore and revitalize reproductive rights, we must center these conversations around Black and Brown women to ensure equitable outcomes for all."

“As more states and lawmakers look to ban access to abortion and reproductive health care, it’s critical we continue to raise awareness about the work that needs to be done to protect patient access and raise further awareness on a national level,” said Sue Dunlap, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA), “We are thankful to Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove for her decisive leadership. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove’s dedication to sexual and reproductive health care access and to abortion rights is both unwavering and inspiring.”

PPLA provides convenient and affordable access to a comprehensive range of quality reproductive health care and sexual health information through patient services, education, and advocacy. Founded in 2020 by Black leaders and clinical staff, PPLA's Black Health Initiative aims to address health inequities in Black communities in the Los Angeles area by providing high-quality, culturally competent health care and education, sharing resources, and forming partnerships within the community.

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