Law Honoring Kanye West’s Mother Causes Controversy

Less than a year after California passed a law requiring patients to receive medical clearance before undergoing cosmetic surgery, some surgeons are taking issue with the legislation. Named after rapper Kanye West's late mother, the Donda West Law requires patients to complete a physical exam and receive written clearance by a physician 30 days before going under the knife. According to Dr. Michael McGuire, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the aforementioned screening process is "so fundamental as part of medical training and medical care that to require it by law seems to be moot."

Violating the law is not a crime either, therefore doctor's cannot be charged for failing to abide by the measure. Dr. James Well, former president of the California American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted that putting the law into place will not ensure every patient's safety. "It'll never change the guys who want to be outlaws to do anything different. They're going do what they want to do," he said.

Donda West, a professor at Chicago State University, died in 2007 following a breast augmentation and tummy tuck. The Los Angeles County Coroner concluded that her death was a result of coronary artery disease and post-operative factors. Dr. Jan Adams, the surgeon who operated on West, said that she underwent physical exams before the procedure. However her niece Yolanda Anderson, who pushed for the law, disputed such claims revealing that completing a physical exam would've prevented her aunt's death.

Shrouded by public scrutiny, Dr. Adams wrote the book 'What I Know and the Press Isn't Telling: The Truth behind the Death of Donda West' chronicling the ordeal. He has since turned in his medical license stemming from a previous alcohol charge. The Donda West Law went into effect this month.