For a long time, anti-choice activists have been on a veritable rampage to attack Planned Parenthood. At times, this has regrettably been done with force and violence; at other times, vicious verbal and personal attacks have sufficed as the order of the day.
Now these forces have struck again, this time against a former ally of Planned Parenthood, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. It is deeply disappointing that the Foundation has caved in to pressure from the anti-choice forces, and has now cut off funding for breast cancer screening to all Planned Parenthood offices.
Planned Parenthood web site: Komen Foundation Ends Funding for Breast Cancer Screenings After Years of Political Pressure
Planned Parenthood press release: “Alarmed and Saddened” by Komen Foundation Succumbing to Political Pressure, Planned Parenthood Launches Fund for Breast Cancer Services
Planned Parenthood Federation of America today expressed deep disappointment in response to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation’s decision to stop funding breast cancer prevention, screenings and education at Planned Parenthood health centers. Anti-choice groups in America have repeatedly threatened the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for partnering with Planned Parenthood to provide these lifesaving cancer screenings and news articles suggest that the Komen Foundation ultimately succumbed to these pressures.
“We are alarmed and saddened that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation appears to have succumbed to political pressure. Our greatest desire is for Komen to reconsider this policy and recommit to the partnership on which so many women count,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
AP Exclusive: Amid abortion debate, Komen cancer charity halting grants to Planned Parenthood (Washington Post)
Here is how the Komen Foundation holds represents itself on its web site:
As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.
Now, unfortunately, they have shown themselves to be the opposite of empowerment. They are the cowardly nonprofit group that will hide out in the corner and cut off its allies to protect its own image.
Unfortunately, this move can only have a devastating impact on women's health. It also puts at risk the life and vitality of the Foundation itself, which has done so much for good over the years.
Don't Get Mad (or do...), Get Even!
There are three things you can do that will make a difference:
I. Make an emergency contribution to Planned Parenthood to help offset this lack of funding for breast cancer screening.
As PP President Cecile Richards stated in an e-mail update today,
But as troubling as that decision is, it's not what I'm most worried about today. The grants that the Komen Foundation is ending go to Planned Parenthood health centers that provide cancer screenings to women who often have no other place to turn for care. We are determined to make sure that these women can continue to get the care they need — and, as always, that means we are counting on you. If you can, please make an emergency donation today to help us continue to protect and promote women's health wherever it is needed.
II. As posted by DK staffer Kaili Joy Gray, send an e-mail to the Susan G. Komen Foundation letting them know how disappointed you are in their action.
III. Sign the CREDO petition to the Susan G. Komen Foundation telling them not to throw Planned Parenthood under the bus!
Thank you!
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