The Task Force responds to Susan G. Komen decision to cut Planned Parenthood funding

UPDATE: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has reversed its decision and will continue to fund Planned Parenthood for breast cancer prevention, screenings and education. They apologized to the American people for casting doubt on their “commitment to save women’s lives.”

Earlier this week, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a leading breast-cancer charity, announced it would cut off funding to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer prevention, screenings and education. According to Planned Parenthood, the Komen-funded programs have helped thousands of women in rural and underserved communities get breast health education, screenings and referrals for mammograms, including low-income women for whom a Planned Parenthood doctor can be their only medical provider. Also, according to Planned Parenthood, 75 percent of their clients have incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

Planned Parenthood officials have stated that anti-choice groups have repeatedly threatened Komen for its partnership with them. These officials also said that news articles suggest that the Komen Foundation ultimately succumbed to these pressures. Read Planned Parenthood’s statement here.

Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said:

The decision by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to cut off funding for breast cancer exams at Planned Parenthood health centers is sad, disappointing and puts women’s lives at risk, especially the lives of low-income and poor women. Planned Parenthood helps thousands of women across the country to identify breast cancer early, providing them with the chance of successful treatment. Komen should do the right thing and protect the lives of low-income families by retracting this damaging decision. Women who need access to this critical, lifesaving care are the real victims in this compassion-free game of politics.

It’s time for us to step up and ask the Komen Foundation to restore its funding to Planned Parenthood, so they can continue saving lives. Please sign this petition and forward it to your friends and family.