Monica Rose McLemore

Faculty

Monica McLemore headshot

Monica Rose McLemore

PhD RN MPH FADLN

Professor

1 212 998 5319

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Prof. Monica R. McLemore is a Visiting Professor at NYU Meyers and is a noted scholar of antiracist birth equity research and national expert on reproductive health, rights, and justice.

Prior to joining NYU Meyers, McLemore was a tenured professor, holding the Endowed Chair for Health Promotion and is Director of the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity in Nursing at the University of Washington (UW). Before UW, she was a tenured associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing, and held the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, McLemore has distinguished herself as a scientist and clinical nurse whose work advancing understanding of reproductive health and justice has been cited in varied ways across many platforms, including six amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and publications ranging from Politico to Scientific American. She made a voice appearance on the Peabody Award-winning HBO series “Random Acts of Flyness”, and is editor-in-chief of the journal, Health Equity. 

McLemore also has an impressive record of mentoring diverse scholars and students, and in expanding the use of community-engaged research methods, in particular involving underrepresented groups in the research process.

Among her many awards, McLemore was recognized as the Society of Family Planning’s Mentor of the Year and honored with the American Public Health Association's Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy Award for her work on maternal child health.

PhD, University of California
MPH, San Francisco State University
Minority Training Program in Cancer Control Research
BSN, The College Of New Jersey
Research Fellow, NINR Summer Genetics Institute
Anti-Racism and Equity
Health Equity
Health Policy
Reproductive Health
Society of Family Planning
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Washington State Nurses Association
Academy Health
Abortion Access Front
Health Equity Journal
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2025)
Trailblazer Award, National Black Nurses Association (2025)
Harriet Cook Carter Lecture, Duke University (2025)
Inaugural Recipient of the SFGH Catalyst Award, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital First Annual Nursing Research Symposium (2025)
National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellowship, Reproductive Justice Unit (2025)
Fellow, Academy of Diverse Leaders in Nursing (2024)
2024 STATUS List, Stat News (2024)
McCausland Visiting Scholars, University of South Carolina (2024)
Excellence in Promoting Diversity Through Teaching Award, University of Washington School of Nursing (2024)
Researcher of the Year, Washington State Nurses Association (2023)
Legacy Award, Marcus Foster Education Institute’s 100 for the 100th Legacy Award recipients (2023)
Nurse Influencer on Social Media, Berxi (2023)
Mentor of the Year, Society of Family Planning (2022)
Alumni of the Year, The College of New Jersey School of Nursing (2022)
Maternal Child Health Section Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy Award, American Public Health Association (2021)
Nurse Influencer on Social Media, Berxi (2021)
Nursing Mutual Aid #2020: Global Hero Award, The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (2020)
Distinguished Leadership Award, The College of New Jersey (Alumni) (2020)
The Audacious Award, Alumni Association UCSF Foundation (2020)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2019)
Excellence in Leadership Award, AWHONN (2019)
Thomas N. Burbridge Award, UCSF Chancellor's University Service Award (2019)
Person of the Year, Abortion Care Network (2018)
Association for Reproductive Health Professionals, Amazing Women in Reproductive Health (2017)
The Association for Wholistic Maternal and Newborn Health, Agent - Provocateur of the Year Award (2017)
Margretta Madden Styles Award, Sigma Theta Tau International (2017)
Excellence in Teaching Award, American College of Nurse Midwives (2015)
Speaking Race to Power Fellow, CoreAlign (2015)
Breakthrough Leaders in Nursing Award, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2015)
UCSF Alpha Eta Leadership Hall of Fame, Sigma Theta Tau International (2014)
Doctoral Scholarship in Nursing, American Cancer Society (2007)
National Institute for General Medical Sciences Fellowship, UCSF (2003)
Cota Robles Regents Fellowship, UCSF (2002)
Outstanding Service Award, The Resident Staff of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine (2000)
New Jersey Garden State Scholarship Program (1998)

Why abortion is healthcare

McLemore, M. R., Eagen-Torkko, M., Altman, M., Chor, J., Franck, L. S., Greenberg, M., King, L. P., Solis, E., Suárez-Baquero, D., Swartz, A., & McLemore, M. R. (2025). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 73, Issue 1, p. 102345).
Abstract
Abstract
This invited commentary provides an in-depth critique and analysis of "Abortion is healthcare: In what sense?" (Martsolf, Tollefsen, and Curlin). We reject the claims put forth in their piece on three distinct grounds. First, the language used throughout the manuscript is imprecise and ableist. Next, the false and simplistic dichotomy of pregnancy as a state of health, while positioning abortion as exclusively harmful and risky is scientifically inaccurate. Finally, the authors fail to grapple with nursing as either technical or moral; and never address it as a profession with a social contract. We end our analysis with suggestions to continue this conversation and to engage readers in participation.

Why abortion is healthcare: Response to: "Abortion is healthcare: In what sense?" Martsolf G, Tollefsen C, Curlin F

McLemore, M. R., King, L. P., Eagen-Torkko, M., Franck, L. S., Solis, E., Suárez-Baquero, D., & McLemore, M. R. (2025). In Nursing outlook (Vols. 73, Issues 3, p. 102389).
Abstract
Abstract
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Black women on the academic tightrope: four scholars weigh in

McLemore, M. R., Jeffries-El, M., McLemore, M. R., Zelzer, R., & Moore, T. (2024). In Nature (Vols. 634, Issues 8034, pp. 542-544).
Abstract
Abstract
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Building Capacity for Research on Community Doula Care: A Stakeholder-Engaged Process in California

McLemore, M. R., Marshall, C. J., Nguyen, A., Arteaga, S., Hubbard, E., Armstead, M., Peprah-Wilson, S., Britt, S., McLemore, M. R., & Gomez, A. M. M. (2024). In Maternal and child health journal (Vols. 28, Issues 3, pp. 400-408).
Abstract
Abstract
In an effort to address persistent inequities in maternal and infant health, policymakers and advocates have pushed to expand access to doula care. Several states, including California, now cover doula services through Medicaid. As coverage expands, research on the impact of doula care will likely increase. To develop best practices for research, it is critical to engage community doulas, clients, and other key stakeholders.

Insights into retrofitting fellowships in family planning with principles of equality, race, and cultural literacy

McLemore, M. R., Chambers Butcher, B. D., Friedman, I. K., Scott, K. A., Clary, C., Negrete, G., & McLemore, M. R. (2024). In Contraception (Vols. 140, p. 110556).
Abstract
Abstract
The Centering Equality, Race, and Cultural Literacy in Family Planning (CERCL-FP) program aims to break racial silence and dismantle structural racism in the field of family planning, by providing racial equity workshops and trainings.

Midwives' experience of telehealth and remote care: a systematic mixed methods review

McLemore, M. R., Golden, B. N., Elrefaay, S., McLemore, M. R., Alspaugh, A., Baltzell, K., & Franck, L. S. (2024). In BMJ open (Vols. 14, Issues 3, p. e082060).
Abstract
Abstract
Increasing the midwifery workforce has been identified as an evidence-based approach to decrease maternal mortality and reproductive health disparities worldwide. Concurrently, the profession of midwifery, as with all healthcare professions, has undergone a significant shift in practice with acceleration of telehealth use to expand access. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify and synthesize the existing evidence regarding how midwives experience, perceive and accept providing sexual and reproductive healthcare services at a distance with telehealth.

Parent and staff perceptions of racism in a single-center neonatal intensive care unit

McLemore, M. R., Karvonen, K. L., Smith, O., Chambers Butcher, B. D., Franck, L. S., McKenzie-Sampson, S., McLemore, M. R., Pantell, M. S., & Rogers, E. E. (2024). In Pediatric research (Vols. 95, Issues 7, pp. 1690-1693).
Abstract
Abstract
In alignment with previous literature, NICU parents reported experiencing racism and NICU staff reported witnessing racism in the NICU. Our study also uniquely describes personal experiences with racism by staff in the NICU. NICU staff reported witnessing and experiencing racism more often than parents reported. Black staff reported witnessing and experiencing more racism than white staff. Differences in reporting is likely influenced by variations in lived experience, social identities, psychological safety, and levels of awareness. Future studies are necessary to prevent and accurately measure racism in the NICU.

Parents Experiences of Racism in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

McLemore, M. R., Smith, O., Karvonen, K. L., Gonzales-Hinojosa, M. D., Lewis-Zhao, S., Washington, T., McLemore, M. R., Rogers, E. E., & Franck, L. S. (2024). In Journal of patient experience (Vols. 11, p. 23743735241272226).
Abstract
Abstract
Few studies have investigated parent's experiences with racism in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our objective was to explore how parents perceive their interactions with NICU staff and if/how racism in the NICU was experienced. Parents of infants receiving care in an urban NICU completed fixed choice surveys regarding their experiences and demographics, with 6 open-ended questions to elaborate on their fixed-choice responses. Using a constant comparative method informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory, we identified 3 main themes from the comments provided by 97 respondents: Care and harm coexisting, racism often manifesting as neglectful care, and the power differential is most impactful during times of parent advocacy. Parents spoke positively regarding their experiences and also reported disparate treatment attributed to their racial/ethnic identity. Racism was experienced by inappropriate comments and apathy toward parent requests, occurring during intimate interactions between staff and parents. Descriptions of parental advocacy efforts highlighted the lack of power they held in relation to the NICU staff. We recommend strengthening the focus on equity and mitigating power imbalances in the NICU.

Society of Family Planning Research Practice Support: Strategies and considerations for addressing race and racism in quantitative family planning studies

McLemore, M. R., Quinones, N., Fuentes, L., Hassan, A., Hing, A. K., Samari, G., & McLemore, M. (2024). In Contraception (Vols. 139, p. 110534).
Abstract
Abstract
Family planning researchers have not critically engaged with topics of race, racism, and associated concepts like ethnicity. This lack of engagement contributes to the reproduction of research that reifies racial hierarchies rather than illuminate and interrupt the processes by which racism affects health. This Research Practice Support paper lays out considerations and best practices for addressing race and racism in quantitative family planning research.

Virtual Research Prioritization: Innovations for Research Agenda Development With Impacted Communities.

McLemore, M. R. (2024). In International Journal of Qualitative Methods (Vols. 23).
Abstract
Abstract
Gichane, MW, Asiodu, IV, Chambers, B, Clary, C, Cooper, NM, Erhahon, H, Negrete, G, Skrine Jeffers, K, Young, J, & McLemore, MR.