On January 31, 2012 the Susan G. Komen for the cure organization decided to end its relationship with Planned Parenthood.
The Susan G. Komen for the cure also referred to as Komen is the largest funded breast cancer organization in the United States. Planned Parenthood Federation of America known as Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization providing sex health, education and family care services. The Susan G. Komen organization and Planned Parenthood have had a relationship for over five years. The Susan G. Komen organization had been granting Planned Parenthood funds to provide breast exams and mammograms in the health centers. According to Planned Parenthood as a result of a 170,000 grant from Komen the health centers have performed over 4 million breast exams in the past five years.
Planned Parenthood has been under investigation for using federal funds to pay for abortions. For this reason the Komen foundation has ended their relationship with Planned Parenthood. The Komen organization rules that it is not permitted to support any organization that is under congressional investigation.
The controversy is that people believe Komen decision to cut ties is for political reasons. Planned Parenthood has always been under the fire from pro-life supporters because of its abortion services. Komen has also been criticized because of association with Planned Parenthood. It is reported that the decision was forced by Karen Handel hired by Komen last year as vice president for public policy. Handel is known for losing a campaign for governor in Georgia in which she stressed her anti-abortion views and opposition to Planned Parenthood. Women's health advocates are outraged that Komen would put politics over women's health. Many others are disappointed with the decision made by Komen such as Molly Williams who is Komens former director of community health programs, she has resigned in protest over the cutoff.
I believe Komen decision to cut ties with Planned Parenthood was a political move. Planned Parenthood has been investigated before and it was determined the organization does not use federal money for abortions. It seems to me as if the poor are always under fire of politics. Planned Parenthood provides services to the poor, uninsured and under-insured; with Komen's support women were able to receive screenings, education and treatment in Planned Parenthood health centers located in communities located all over the United States. I disagree with Komen's decision and hopefully they will realize their mistake and revoke their decision soon.
Tyhie, Last year there was indeed a report on Planned Parenthood and the results were published. Their annual budget showed that they spent less than 7-9% on abortion services -- maybe even less than that. Most of their services provided are in healthcare, as you have pointed out. How is the conservative anti-abortion movement using this (mis-) information to influence people /public opinion? How is it that people should be looking at this situation in a more critically thoughtful way?
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