WASHINGTON, DC (FR) – Kay James, one of the most respected leaders in the pro-life movement, was recently appointed as assistant secretary of Health and Human Services. James will be assisting Dr. Louis Sullivan, who has been criticized by pro-life leaders for his occasional statements of support for legalized abortion.

James has been active in the pro-life movement as a volunteer since 1978. She joined the National Right to Life Committee, Inc., in May of 1985, as the director of public affairs. She represented the committee on numerous local and national television programs such as “The Today Show,” “Nightline,” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and has appeared in various debates.

As founder of Black Americans for Life, James has worked to educate the black community in pro-life/pro-family issues and to develop policy solutions for women with crisis pregnancies. The National Family Institute, founded by James and her husband, Charles, was established to address crises within black American families.

When Dr. Sullivan was appointed by President Bush in January, Republican leaders had questions about his stand on abortion. However, after a meeting with a group of senators including Robert Dole and Gordon Humphrey, doubts about his position seemed to be resolved. Humphrey stated, “I am convinced that, like President Bush, Dr. Sullivan believes in his heart that the Roe vs. Wade decision should be overturned because the effect of that decision is the destruction of human life.”

Sullivan’s choice of Kay James as an assistant is seen as a clear signal that he will surround himself with pro-life staffers.