When Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl remarked in April of last year that abortion services comprise more than 90 percent of Planned Parenthood’s services, his grievous miscalculation was quickly corrected by the nonprofit organization which reported that abortions comprise only 3 percent of the services it provides.
But the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood continues. On Tuesday, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which has provided up to $680,000 annually to fund breast-cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood locations, has decided to sever ties with the politically controversial organization.
Komen’s decision to cut funding for political reasons is unfair and irresponsible.
The decision by Komen comes amid increased political pressure from anti-abortion groups, including Lifeway Christian Resources and the Alliance Defense Fund, and the hiring of a new vice president vocal about her opposition to abortion.
Komen said it terminated its partnership with Planned Parenthood because the organization is under investigation in Congress ““ an investigation launched by anti-abortion groups, such as those mentioned above.
Yet the money Komen donates to Planned Parenthood is used primarily for breast exams, of which 4 million have been performed by the nonprofit organization in the last five years.
Komen’s willingness to discontinue support for Planned Parenthood is both single-minded and reactionary, focusing more on politics than the prevention of breast cancer. Thousands of women rely on the tests provided by Planned Parenthood that have absolutely nothing to do with abortion or even contraception.
Komen’s decision comes at a time when every Republican presidential candidate has voiced staunch opposition to abortion rights. Additionally, a heated debate in Congress is ensuing over whether funding should be provided for Planned Parenthood ““ as if federal funding for an organization that provides legal procedures is a preposterous idea.
As a result of its swift retreat, the Komen foundation has faced considerable backlash from supporters who also support Planned Parenthood, some of whom will likely discontinue their donations to the breast cancer charity.
Funding breast-cancer screenings through Planned Parenthood is not funding abortion. The services offered by the nonprofit are vital to low-income women, and if Susan G. Komen for the Cure is committed to making screenings available and the cure a reality, it is taking a massive step backward and turning its back on thousands of women.
Email Clark at
[email protected]. Send general comments to
[email protected] or tweet at us @DBOpinion.