Community Corner

UPDATE: Susan G. Komen Decision Stops Some Supporters in Their Tracks

How do you feel about the foundation's decision to stop supporting Planned Parenthood?

Updated 12:06 p.m. Feb. 3: 

From the Huffington Post:

"Following a massive public backlash over its decision to pull funding for breast cancer screenings from Planned Parenthood, Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder Nancy Brinker announced on Friday that her group has reversed its decision and will continue to fund the family planning organization."

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After partnering with Planned Parenthood for the past five years to provide cancer screenings to low-income patients, the Susan G. Komen foundation announced on Tuesday that it would sever ties with the family planning provider because it is under investigation in Congress.

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The decision to halt funding has generated controversy this week, The Huffington Post reports

Keri Lawrenson Lambert of Stow, who participated in a Komen 5K, said she thinks the investigation is "ridiculous."

"I don't think an organization that is about woman's health should side against Planned Parenthood. I think that government being involved at all in woman's health issues is absurd," she said.

Groups that prompted that investigation are anti-abortion advocacy organizations that have long criticized Planned Parenthood over the fact that some of its clinics offer abortions, Huff Post says.

The move has prompted a backlash of angry comments on the breast cancer organization's message boards and Facebook wall

Dr. Kathy Plesser, a Manhattan radiologist on the medical advisory board of Susan G. Komen for the Cure's New York chapter, said she plans to resign from her position unless Komen reverses its decision to pull grant money from Planned Parenthood.

The Washington Post reports that state senators, including Ohio's own Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), have put pressure on the organization to reverse it's decision.

Founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker posted a video message on why the decision was made.

"We have the highest responsibility to ensure that these donor dollars make the biggest impact possible," said Brinker. "We are working to eliminate duplicative grants ... we want the grant to go to the provider that is actually providing the life saving mammogram."

She added that the foundation will "never bow to political pressure" and the "scurrilous accusations being hurled at this organization are profoundly hurtful ... they are a dangerous distraction to the work that needs to be done to rid the world of breast cancer."

(Watch the video attached to this post to hear her entire message.)

Charlotte Gunther of Stow said she's in support of the recent decision.

"I applaud [the foundation] ... [the] organization is focusing on its purpose," said Gunther.

Jen Taylor of Stow, who is pro-life and has participated in a 3-day walk before, said she is against the decision.

"Breast cancer has no face, no opinion and it doesn't care whether you believe in abortion, don't believe, have had one, as well as doesn't care if your favorite color is blue or you have four kids ... it still can win," she said. "I raised money for breast cancer research, prevention and money to help women and men currently fighting the disease."

Nina Baker of Stow, who said she's supported the foundation in the past, will not donate this year.

"I will take the dollars I usually put toward Susan G. Komen and send them to Planned Parenthood," she said.

Komen grants to Planned Parenthood totaled about $680,000 last year and $580,000 the year before, according to this NBC story. In total, this year the foundation invested $93 million in community grants, said Brinker.

"Susan G. Komen giving money to Planned Parenthood to fund (especially economically challenged women) breast cancer screening in their establishments falls under the category of prevention; and for what I raised money," said Taylor. "The fact that Planned Parenthood is pro-choice has absolutely nothing to do with breast cancer."

Stow Patch asked readers on Facebook what they thought of the decision.

Here's what some of them had to say:

  • "I staunchly agree with Komen," Lisa Kowall said.
  • "Good for them it's their choice and opinion," Andy Thomas said.
  • "I am terribly disappointed in Komen. If they are going to draw a line in the sand then I staunchly support Planned Parenthood," said Stephanie Krell-Mesek.
  • "Really, I think Komen is a money maker ... so dropping Planned Parenthood is null ... have you seen the pie charts on where all the money is going for this group ... ?" Angel Woliver said.

What do you think about the decision? Will you stop supporting the foundation? Will you start supporting the foundation now?

Share your opinions in the comments section.


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