Today, in response to a decision by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to end support for breast health and education provided through Planned Parenthood, Family Planning Advocates of New York State railed against anti-choice extremists for their shortsighted and mean-spirited pressure campaigns that ultimately harm women. An anti-women’s health campaign has repeatedly targeted and harassed the Komen Foundation for its support of Planned Parenthood in providing life-saving cancer screenings to low-income and underserved women. Today’s Associated Press report indicates the Komen Foundation’s actions are a result of these assaults.     

“The vocal, anti-choice minority turned to waging sensationalized campaigns against Planned Parenthood because their efforts to influence federal policy around the organization have failed,” said FPA President and CEO M. Tracey Brooks. “They cannot win legislatively because they know the will of the people is for women to make their own personal, private health care decisions and have access to the full range of reproductive health care. Therefore, they have turned to bullying organizations like Komen to get their way. Bullying is not acceptable in a school yard and it must not be acceptable when women’s health and lives are at risk.” 

FPA points out that it is not urging a boycott of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Planned Parenthood chose to take the high ground and will not place women’s health at risk—no matter how much we disagree with the decision.

Planned Parenthood plays a crucial role in identifying breast cancer early, thanks to its quality, affordable and accessible health care services. Nationwide, Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses provide nearly 750,000 breast cancer screenings annually, offering risk assessments, breast exams, breast health information and education, and diagnostic and surgical referrals.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America has posted stories of some of the many patients who have benefitted from breast health services and education in its online Close to the Heart book. One such story is from a breast-cancer survivor in Loudonville, N.Y. who credits Planned Parenthood with saving her life.

Planned Parenthood will not let Komen’s disappointing decision to halt grant funding get in the way of providing patients with the care they need. A national foundation has announced a gift to create a Planned Parenthood Breast Health Fund to provide immediate funding for the women whose breast cancer screenings and care has been jeopardized by Komen’s decision to withdraw its support.

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