Komen Apologizes, Reinstates Planned Parenthood Funding
Apparently, the people in charge of merchandising at the Susan G. Komen Foundation had a little talk with their anti-abortion executives, and today the Komen Foundation is reinstating their Planned Parenthood funding, and apologizing to Planned Parenthood and the American public.
Planned Parenthood has released the following statement in response:
“The outpouring of support for women in need of lifesaving breast cancer screening this week has been astonishing and is a testament to our nation’s compassion and sincerity.
“During the last week, millions spontaneously joined a national conversation about lifesaving breast cancer prevention care and reinforced shared values about access to health care for all. This compassionate outcry in support of those most in need rose above political, ideological, and cultural divides, and will surely be recognized as one of our nation’s better moments during a contentious political time. Planned Parenthood thanks each and every person who has contributed to elevating the importance of breast cancer prevention for so many women in need.
“In recent weeks, the treasured relationship between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and Planned Parenthood has been challenged, and we are now heartened that we can continue to work in partnership toward our shared commitment to breast health for the most underserved women. We are enormously grateful that the Komen Foundation has clarified its grantmaking criteria, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Komen partners, leaders and volunteers. What these past few days have demonstrated is the deep resolve all Americans share in the fight against cancer, and we honor those who are at the helm of this battle.
“Planned Parenthood has been a trusted partner with the Komen Foundation in early cancer detection and prevention services. In particular, Planned Parenthood helps the Komen Foundation reach vulnerable populations — low-income women, African-American women, and Latinas — especially in rural areas and underserved communities where Planned Parenthood health centers are their only source of health care. With Komen Foundation grants, over the past five years, Planned Parenthood health centers provided nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and more than 6,400 mammogram referrals. With the outpouring of support over the past week, even more women in need will receive lifesaving breast cancer care.”
But the Komen Foundation has done enormous damage to their reputation, and it’s going to be difficult for them to gain back the trust they’ve lost — especially since they still have not acknowledged that anti-Planned Parenthood politics played a large part in their decision to cut off funding in the first place.
As you might expect, this news has driven right wing bloggers into a state of apoplectic rage. A look at the crazed wingnut reactions:
Komen Caves to Feminazis | Jammie Wearing Fools
Nets Rush to Defend Planned Parenthood, Ignore Catholic Dispute With Obama | NewsBusters.org
KOMEN FOUNDATION COLLAPSES: Will Fund Abortion Group Planned Parenthood | the Gateway Pundit
The Komen Foundation continues to deny that anti-abortion politics was responsible for their original decision to defund Planned Parenthood, but the right wing blogs and media seem to have no doubt that it was.