Six Former PPSE Employees File Lawsuit Claiming Retaliatory Termination Over Organizational Changes
After months of scandal and scrutiny, Planned Parenthood Southeast is once again under examination as six former employees filed a federal lawsuit on October 21, 2026, in Atlanta against PPSE and Planned Parenthood of America. The suit claims the firings were in retaliation for opposing a significant abandonment of the organization’s traditional priorities and culture throughout 2025. The allegations focus on a move away from delivering high-quality inclusive sexual and reproductive health care services and advocating for policies that expand reproductive rights and access to care, including abortion. All six claimants are represented by attorneys from HKM Employment Attorneys LLP.
Among the plaintiffs named in the announcement are Kaylah Oates-Marable, the former PPSE Georgia State Director, and Jaylen Black, who served as Vice President of Communications and Marketing. The six claimants are represented by Artur Davis along with Kathleen Bensberg and Jerilyn Gardner, all from HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, a firm known for its work in employment law cases.
The lawsuit centers on the roles of former PPSE CEO Mairo Akposé and former Executive Director Karen Rene. It alleges that these two leaders worked to undermine the established mission by implementing changes that reduced emphasis on comprehensive care and rights advocacy. This shift reportedly affected how the organization approached its services and public policy positions during their tenure. The complaint details a systematic effort that altered the culture and operational focus of the Southeast chapter.
From directing staff to avoid discussing abortion excessively to disrupting educational programs in the LGBTQ+ community and prohibiting staff involvement in PRIDE events, the suit describes multiple ways the leadership deviated from core values. Additional claims involve discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ employees and improper oversight of the reproductive decisions of young women working within the organization. These actions are presented as evidence of a broader erosion of the inclusive and supportive environment that Planned Parenthood has historically promoted. The details paint a picture of internal policies that conflicted with the group’s public stance on inclusion and access.
Kaylah Oates-Marable recounted her long-standing desire to work at Planned Parenthood dating back to when she was 17 years old. She was fired just weeks after reporting unwanted sexual remarks to Human Resources. Her statement highlights the personal impact, noting that the experience has turned a dream into a nightmare not only for herself but also for the many individuals who depended on PPSE for essential services when no other options were available. Education Director Jessica Swanson was also terminated after participating in the reporting of these issues.
Jaylen Black, who had worked with prominent Georgia figures including U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock prior to her role at PPSE, was dismissed while on disability leave. She was recovering from life-threatening injuries from an accident in July 2025 and had requested reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Instead, the request was denied, and termination followed. Black commented that the group was fired because they supported Planned Parenthood’s principles, describing the irony as heartbreaking and suggesting the actions may have been illegal.
Artur Davis, representing the plaintiffs, stated that these six brave women sought to save Planned Parenthood Southeast through their reports and resistance to the changes. He noted that the many champions and funders of the Planned Parenthood community deserve awareness of the serious issues in the southern chapter. Davis added that restoring the organization requires providing justice and remedying the damages experienced by these women.
Background on lead attorney Artur Davis indicates he is an employment law attorney at HKM Employment Attorneys LLP with locations in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. After a career in public service as a U.S. Congressman, he resumed private practice in 2020. Since then, he has obtained financial awards exceeding 14 million dollars for clients in cases against large retail chains, hospitals, corporations, and other entities. An honors graduate of Harvard Law School, Davis is admitted in Alabama, the District of Columbia, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. His experience encompasses federal prosecutions, criminal defense, and congressional investigations, aiding his approach to institutional wrongdoing. He has handled matters in multiple states including Georgia.
