Proposed 'Donda West Law' in California would require medical check before cosmetic surgery

Jet, March 17, 2008 by Margena A. Christian

Following the death of Dr. Donda West, mother of rap star Kanye West, a California assemblywoman is helping to introduce state legislation seeking that any person, before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery, have a medical clearance from a licensed physician.

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State lawmaker Wilmer Amina Carter proposed the bill called the "Donda West Law" for the 2008 legislative session.

"This is not directed at the many good plastic surgeons out there who require that their patients have a medical clearance before they perform elective cosmetic surgery," said Carter. "But it's not a requirement by law, and this will address those who may not require the clearance."

Donda West, 58, died of heart disease and "multiple postoperative factors" after plastic surgery, according Los Angeles medical examiner Dr. Louis A. Pena (JET, Jan. 28). She died following breast reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction.

Carter said Donda West's niece, Yolanda Anderson, asked her to introduce the bill that would require a health check before a person chooses to have cosmetic surgery.

"We felt this is something we wanted to do to make sure her death wouldn't be in vain," said Anderson, a property manager who resides in Colton, CA. "We don't want to let it happen to other families. We've spoken to Kanye and he's very enthusiastic about it."