Sudden Split: Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Planned Parenthood

You'd think they'd be natural allies: the two most recognized organizations for women's health, that is. But it became known yesterday that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is cutting all funds to Planned Parenthood that had been used for years to make breast cancer screening, prevention, and education affordable for women.

It's a move that not only creates a troubling divide between organizations that have done as much as any other to save women's lives, but it leaves low-income and uninsured women with nearly no access to the care and early detection that is crucial for surviving breast cancer.

So why did Komen do it? Unfortunately, it is obvious from the outset.

I wrote about the whole sad story over at The American Prospect today.

As an aside: just last week, I went to my local Planned Parenthood in Detroit for an annual exam and a few tests. As a hustling freelancer, I do not have insurance, but my clinic makes it possible for me to integrate at least some preventive care into my life. And, as it so happens, my doctor -- her name is Moira -- engaged me in a wonderful conversation about breast health; namely, that the medical community is moving away from the promotion of at-home self-exams. I found this interesting and asked her a lot of questions, on top of the personal questions I had while she actually performed the breast cancer exam. She was candid with me. I risk too-much-information here, but my point is this: urgent and excellent care was available to me because of Planned Parenthood and, perhaps, because of Komen funding that now no longer exists.

Planned Parenthood is launching an emergency fund to continue lifesaving breast cancer screenings in the wake of the loss of Komen. Consider giving.

 

Related:

•  ... For This Important Message
• Melissa Harris-Perry (then, Harris-Lacewell) gives an amazing speech to guests of the Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties.
• 39 Years Roe: Read Up
• Say You Want Revolution
• Attention Must Be Paid
• Talkback: The Incredible Shrinking Woman
• Planned Parenthood in Aurora Will Open!
• Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Less-Heard Words
• Revolutionary Health in Egypt & Tunisia

 

Image Credits: Naturally Addicted; Raw Story

Comments

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very interesting , thanks for sharing