Susan G. Komen's Split From Planned Parenthood Hurts ALL Women -- Even You

on February 1, 2012 at 10:29 AM

susan g. komen walk If you find yourself responding with complacency or even satisfaction to the news that Susan G. Komen for the Cure is halting its partnership with Planned Parenthood affiliates and cutting off hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for breast exams and other breast health services, then you REALLY AREN'T GETTING IT.

The reason the nation's leading breast-cancer charity gave for why it is ending this years-long partnership? A recently adopted rule that forbids it from funding any organization under government investigation (as we know, PP is currently being investigated by Congress to determine whether it uses public money to fund abortions). Of course, PP in turn is accusing Komen of bowing to pressure from anti-abortion activists.

I know it's difficult, but try to put aside your abortion politics for just one minute and recognize this split for what it is -- a sad and devastating assault on ALL women and their health here in America.

These two huge organizations have long partnered in being advocates for women's health and assisting millions of women in getting the health care that they need. Now, they're being pitted against each other, ugly words are being exchanged on both sides, and women feel forced to choose one organization over the other.

More from The Stir: Kudos to Susan G. Komen for Defunding Planned Parenthood

What's that? You still don't care? Well, go ahead and start reading the comments section at the end of all the news stories. No doubt you'll see some pretty horrible comments from BOTH sides that essentially boil down to one of these: "Planned Parenthood is the devil" and "I'm never donating to Komen ever again." No good can come from such angry divisiveness among women -- especially about something as serious as their health. Let's recognize this division between organizations that previously stood in solidarity for what it is: a tragedy.

Women may be divided across political lines over this, but that isn't the only split this broken partnership is perpetuating: There's also a class divide that's getting even wider because of this severed tie. It's mostly lower income women -- for whom Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care -- who will be affected by the halt in funding. You can say you don't care, but that's a pretty heartless way to respond to the fact that this will only increase the health disparities that these women face every day.

Previously, it didn't matter whether we were pro- or against abortion rights: We could still be pro-breast cancer research, awareness, and preventative measures regardless of our stance on abortion. But now this split is forcing us to make a choice, dividing us over something that before we all agreed on, and endangering the health of millions of women. And THAT should make you furious.

Does the news that Komen is halting its partnership with PP make you angry? Why?

Image via audreyjm529/Flickr

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: abortion, feminism, in the news, planned parenthood, politics, breasts, cancer

Comments (54)

shesliketx

on Feb 1, 2012 at 10:34 AM

It makes me very angry that they are risking the well being of women because of anti choice pressure.

Report this comment

Kritika

on Feb 1, 2012 at 10:36 AM

It is pretty disappointing. It helps no one or nothing except POLITICAL causes.

hoticedcoffee

on Feb 1, 2012 at 10:40 AM

Previously, it didn't matter whether we were pro- or against- abortion rights: We could still be pro-breast cancer research, awareness, and preventative measures regardless on our stance on abortion. But now this split is forcing us to make a choice, dividing us over something that before we all agreed on, and endangering the health of millions of women. And THAT should make you furious.

It doesn't force you to do any such thing. You can still support breast cancer research. Or, you can decide that abortions are more important than breast health, and you can CHOOSE NOT TO SUPPORT Komen For The Cure. This BS about having "no choice" is so typical of "pro-choice" ilk - it's either you support it your way, or no way. Nothing is black and white like that, nothing is bad (or good) for ALL women. If you choose to be a puppet for politicians, don't bitch when your strings are pulled.

billsfan1104

I am not angry, and I am quite pleased. I have breast cancer, and I do not donate to Susan G Koman, because of their affiliation with Planned Parenthood. I do not think that Planned Parenthood provides all this breast screening that you claim that they do. I called our local planned parenthood and they do not provide mammograms, like you claim planned parenthood does. You can get free mammograms and free breast cancer screening many times a month at the local hospital, so low income people do not have to use planned parenthood.

mlberry4172

on Feb 1, 2012 at 10:42 AM

I am the face of PP. When I was in my 20's I didn't have insurance PP was my only choice for my medical care. I had a yearly medical exam w/my pap. When I was surprised w/my first son, PP helped me apply for assistance, abortion wasn't discussed at all! In manyu areas PP is the ONLY option for family planning for low income woman. They will always have my support and I am thankful they are here.

Ari.

on Feb 1, 2012 at 10:49 AM

I'm with mlberry.... PP is an integral part of health care in this country seeing as most of us in this country cannnot afford health care. They are reasonable, cost efficient, dependable, and are good people and that was also my only form of health care for the longest time. Its not just birth control and abortions, and if you can't realize that then you are an ignorant fool.

Jespren

on Feb 1, 2012 at 11:13 AM

Planned Parenthood is NOT the only place low income women have to go. They do not fill a 'void', they compete for clientel. Lies like 'Planned Parenthood is the only option' is far more the problem than Komen withdrawing funds. Those funds will go to other organizations without questionable ethics to help low income women. It's not like the funds will just disapear into the stratosphere. Is a woman wants a breast exam there are many places she can go for one, regardless of her finances, PP is only *one* of those opptions. If a women needs a mammogram there are lots of places she can go, PP isn't one of them, since PP does not do mamograms. The only thing Komen's decision is hurting is Planned Parenthood's bottom line. No actual women will be harmed, unless of course they believe the Planned Parenthood cult that PP is the *only* place for women to get health care.

dillyboysmom

on Feb 1, 2012 at 11:14 AM

Surprise surprise Billsfan1104 is "pleased" that millions of women are losing access to mammograms. As a woman afflicted with breast cancer, its all the more sad and pitiful that you think it's ok to pull funding from a program that so desperately need, from people who desperately need it because of your "pro life" views. So many will be negatively impacted by this decision, and death is very real possibility, but I guess the only lives that matter are the unborn. Once they get here, screw them, right?

on Feb 1, 2012 at 11:21 AM

dillyboysmom, PP does not offer mammograms, so these "millions of women" who are "losing access"? They don't exist. If you're going to get high and mighty, you might want to find a legitimate reason, lest you look like a fool.

Nonmember comment from suebradley

on Feb 1, 2012 at 11:33 AM

Billsfan, your comment made me so sad. You have breast cancer, and yet you don't support the one organization that has done more for breast cancer awareness than any other. You may not agree with all of the politics, but finding a cure for the disease is in all of our best interests. I would think you, of all people, would understand that.