In the aftermath of vociferous protest from pro-life activists, the “global leader of the breast cancer movement,” the Susan G. Komen Foundation has halted further grants to affiliates of the abortion provider Planned Parenthood.
The main reason for Komen’s decision was the fact that the charity recently adopted a new policy prohibiting awarding grants to institutions under investigation by government bodies, and Planned Parenthood is currently facing a Congressional probe — initiated by Florida Republican Rep. Cliff Stearns — into whether taxpayer money improperly went toward abortions.
“While it is regrettable when changes in priorities and policies affect any of our grantees, such as a long-standing partner like Planned Parenthood, we must continue to evolve to best meet the needs of the women we serve and most fully advance our mission,” Komen explained in a statement.
Komen has donated millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood. LifeNews reports that in 2010, Komen donated more than $569,000 to Planned Parenthood and $731,303 in 2009. The money was donated for screening and breast-cancer related treatments.
Planned Parenthood is already looking to make up the lost funding elsewhere, immediately establishing a “Breast Health Emergency Fund” to make up the lost funding from Komen and to provide women with breast health services. The Amy and Lee Fikes’ Foundation have kicked off the fundraising with a $250,000 donation to the fund.
While Planned Parenthood begins to look elsewhere for funding, the pro-life movement is cheering Komen’s decision as a victory for women and the pro-life community.
“Planned Parenthood performs one in four abortions in this country,” said Penny Nance, president of Concerned Women for America. “With this decision to cut their financial partnership, Susan G. Komen has chosen to benefit women’s health care, while Planned Parenthood continues to leave hurting women in its wake.”
“This is an amazing victory for pro-lifers who have asked Komen for years to stop funding the abortion giant,” Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (CFAM), told LifeNews.
Planned Parenthood and their supporters have been predictably frustrated.
“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.”
According to the Associated Press, Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and California Democratic Rep. Michael Honda both denounced Komen’s decision.
“I call on Komen to reconsider this decision, stand strong in the face of political pressure and do the right thing for the health of millions of women everywhere,” Honda said.