Breast Cancer Charity Reverses Decision to Cut Funding of Planned Parenthood Screenings
Susan G. Komen for the Cure has reversed its decision to cut off funding to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), according to a statement from the Komen board of directors and founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker.
In response to the American public’s outcry against Komen’s newly adopted policy to not give money to any organization under investigation, the breast cancer charity will amend its criteria and continue to fund existing grants, including those to Planned Parenthood and preserve its future eligibility.
Komen’s original decision to terminate funding to PPFA was most likely fueled by pressure from right-wing groups and anti-choice advocates. (According to Planned Parenthood, abortion services account for only 3 percent of its services, and the Komen funds went directly to breast cancer screenings and education.)
In order to assert its political neutrality, the Komen statement says, “Our only goal for our granting process is to support women and families in the fight against breast cancer…. We do not want our mission marred or affected by politics—anyone’s politics.”
In the past few days, Planned Parenthood has raised more than $3 million, which includes a $250,000 donation from New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg.
Komen grants have enabled Planned Parenthood to provide nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and referrals for more than 6,400 mammograms for low-income, uninsured and under-insured women.
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