Komen to cut funding for Planned Parenthood breast exams



The Susan G. Komen Foundation will cut funding for Planned Parenthood - money that was used for breast cancer screenings, after a Republican-led congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood's compliance with federal restrictions on funding abortions.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation has raised close to $2 million to fight breast cancer, but the group is now under fire for cutting funds to Planned Parenthood - funds used for breast exams like mammograms that help detect cancer.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation's Facebook page is being swamped with messages from those furious over this news. One woman writes: "The money I was going to give to you, is now going to a non-profit that actually cares about women's health. Shame on you." Another woman writes: "For women like myself, without health insurance, Planned Parenthood is a lifeline. Tell me how your political decision serves women like myself."

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards says the group stands to lose several hundred thousand dollars for breast exams. The reason: there is a Republican-led congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood's compliance with federal restrictions on funding abortions.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation declined FOX6's request for an interview Wednesday.

Nancy Brinker founded the Komen Foundation in 1982 after her sister died of breast cancer. Brinker served in the George W. Bush Administration as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and as chief of protocol.

In a statement, the Komen Foundation says it has implemented more stringent eligibility standards to safeguard donor dollars, saying it wants to be absolutely clear that the grant-making decisions are not about politics. Planned Parenthood's Richards argues otherwise. "I think really what this is a result of is a very ugly and aggressive campaign by right-wing organizations to bully the Komen Foundation and keep them from working with Planned Parenthood," Richards said.

The Komen Foundation has been targeted by anti-abortion groups. The Lifeway Christian Resources pulled its cancer awareness bible that raised money for the charity because of ties to Planned Parenthood. The Christian publisher now says: "We are very grateful Susan G. Komen For the Cure will no longer fund Planned Parenthood affiliates."

There are also questions about Karen Handel, who joined the Komen Foundation in 2011 as senior vice president for public policy. She ran as a Republican candidate for governor in 2010 and during her failed bid, talked about cutting state aid to Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin says they do not receive funds from the Komen Foundation for breast exams.