S.F. Komen Affiliates "Thrilled" to Continue Funding Planned Parenthood

By Erin Browner Fri., Feb. 3 2012 at 3:45 PM

Categories: Health

Pin It

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation relieved its six California affiliates today when it pledged to reverse its unpopular policy to stop funding Planned Parenthood and its breast cancer prevention programs.

During Komen's grant review process, the foundation decided that any organizations being investigated for fraud will no longer receive funding from Komen, said Maria Sousa, executive director of the SF Komen affiliate.

However, after so much national outcry, the foundation had a change of heart today when California Komen affiliates requested that the foundation only refuse money to those organizations guilty of fraud, not accused of it.

"... We are now heartened that we can continue to work in partnership toward our shared commitment to breast health for the most underserved women," Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said in a statement today.

The S.F. Komen affiliate was likewise "thrilled" to hear news of this reversal, as California affiliates publicly opposed the national organization's decision to create the policy.

"We want to make sure the money we raise goes to service low-income women," said Sousa.

In the past five years, Planned Parenthood health centers provided nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and more than 6,400 mammogram referrals using Komen grants.

So, with the change of two words, all is good again.

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter: Our weekly feature stories, movie reviews, calendar picks and more - minus the newsprint and sent directly to your inbox.