Fearmongering and Pushing Personal Agendas for the Cure

Yesterday, all up in arms about the news that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure has pulled their modest funding for breast cancer screenings from several Planned Parenthood clinics across the nation based on rumors, I decided I had to write a letter to the organization.  Maybe they don't care what I have to say, but I feel better for having spoken my mind.  I've had an issue with the organization for some time now, but this was absolutely the last straw.  In light of this news, I informed them I will not participate in another event, purchase another "for the cure" branded item, or knowingly contribute to the success of the foundation in any way, shape, or form, until they once again truly support all efforts to diagnose and treat breast cancer, INCLUDING supporting the often thankless work of under-funded Planned Parenthood clinics offering breast exams to low income and minority women who do not have health insurance.  These women, without insurance or access to regular health care, are least likely to be screened for cancer.  Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO, has said "This gap in care for uninsured and low-income women is particularly troubling and one we have been working very hard to fill at Susan G. Komen.  It's clear that we have far more work to do for women who have no resources, no insurance, and no steady source of healthcare.  They need our help most."  Indeed they do, and Komen should continue to fund organizations like Planned Parenthood who use their support to screen and educate these populations instead of focusing on "raising awareness" of breast cancer (WHO isn't aware of it?!) and shoving pink crap down our throats.

In order to put my money where my mouth is, I've decided that every penny saved during superfrugality month is going straight to Planned Parenthood.  If you're interested in donating, you can find more information here.  LET ME BE CLEAR:  The money Komen is pulling from Planned Parenthood clinics is used to screen for breast cancer.  It is not used to give women power over making a difficult choice.  That is not the issue here, although some people sure are doing their best to conflate the two.  Some facts:
-Last April, Komen hired as vice president for public policy Karen Handel, a failed Republican candidate with a long online history of hostility to Planned Parenthood and contraception in general.
-Just before Komen passed its new rule, a passionately anti-abortion Republican congressman, Cliff Stearns, had announced he would be investigating the nationwide cancer-screening service provider Planned Parenthood.
-Then Komen announced it would no longer make bequests for any services to any organization that was "under investigation" by any branch of any federal, state, or local government. (Source:  The Atlantic)
-When Komen’s board voted on the policy, several members asked who would be affected by the new policy. Elizabeth Thompson, Komen’s president, said, “Planned Parenthood is the only one we know of. If we find others, those would be impacted, too.”  How. Convenient.  (Source: NY Times)

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

The CEO of the organization makes $459,406 a year.  Komen generated $421 million in gross revenue in 2010. The amount given to Planned Parenthood in 2011 was $680,000.  Komen should be increasing their support of breast cancer screenings in Planned Parenthood clinics, not pulling all funding over politics, rumors, and fearmongering.  Shame on them.  Susan G. Komen would be horrified.

Edited to add:  I'm pro-life.  I love life.  I think everyone should have a chance at life.  But I'm also pro-choice.  I think that an individual woman should have more control over her body and her decisions than a legislator she's never met.  Way back when, I used to go to Planned Parenthood for exams and contraceptive options.  I will be eternally grateful for the kind, respectful help they gave me to move forward into my adult life in a safe, informed way.