Susan G. Komen Foundation and Planned Parenthood caught in abortion debate

Posted by devon minnema on Feb 6, 2012 in Telegram Past News

Breast cancer research nonprofit and fundraising giant Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has partially funded Planned Parenthood, the leading provider of abortions and other sexual health services, for years through grants. Planned Parenthood receives about $680,000 a year in Komen grants, which are used exclusively to offer mammograms and other breast cancer screening services at its various clinics.

The Komen foundation announced earlier this week that it would cut off these grants and turn away Planned Parenthood, which is currently under congressional investigation for its more controversial abortion services. Many pro-choice groups criticized the move as putting ideology ahead of prevention, and raised more $750,000 for Planned Parenthood. Billionaire (yes, with a “B”) and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also took a stance after publicly denouncing the decision in a press conference, saying, “Politics have no place in healthcare.” He went on to reiterate that breast cancer screening saves lives, announcing he would make a $100,000 donation to Planned Parenthood and then match fundraising for up to an additional $250,000.

The internet proffered praise and fury over the announcement, with pro-life blogs celebrating the decision and pro-choice blogs vehemently condemning the Komen Foundation. Pro-life activists had been calling for the decision for a long time and hailed it as a victory.

The decision was rescinded yesterday, however, after pro-choice activists threatened to boycott the Komen Foundation. Komen announced that it will continue to offer the grants to Planned Parenthood. The Komen Foundation’s 360 degree  in two days has now created more of a public relations issue than ever; pro-choice activists are still upset about the original decision, and pro-life activists are now upset over Komen caving to pressure.

How do you feel about the controversy? Do you think the Komen Foundation should be funding an organization that offers abortion services?