Komen Foundation Restores Funding for Breast Cancer Screenings at Planned Parenthood Health Centers

For Immediate Release: Oct. 14, 2014

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UPDATE: February 3, 2012: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation reversed its decision and continues to fund breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood health centers. 

The outpouring of support online for Planned Parenthood and women in need of breast cancer screenings has been nothing short of astonishing, and because of it, the Planned Parenthood Breast Health Fund has received more than $3 million from thousands of people across the country in only three days. 

Every dollar we received for this fund will go directly for breast exams and diagnostic services, as well as breast health outreach and education. And now that the Komen Foundation plans to continue their support, even more women will receive lifesaving breast cancer care. 

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Komen partners, leaders, and volunteers, and supporters like you. Thank you so much for your voice and for standing with us. 

Join the conversation on facebook.

Statement by Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Regarding Today’s Komen Announcement

Background

After facing pressure from anti-women's health political organizations, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation announced that it was ending future funding for lifesaving breast cancer screenings and breast health education at Planned Parenthood health centers.

At immediate risk were low-income women, many located in rural and underserved communities, served by 19 Planned Parenthood programs funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. This funding has enabled designated Planned Parenthood health centers to provide women with breast health education, screenings, and referrals for mammograms — lifesaving care for women where Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care.

Close to the Heart: Stories of Planned Parenthood Breast Care Patients

 

Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses teach patients about breast care, connect patients to resources to help them get vital biopsies, ultrasounds, and mammograms, and follow up to make sure patients are cared for with the attention they need and deserve.

Many of these patients have contacted us to share their stories about how Planned Parenthood has provided much-needed breast health care and education – care that has improved or saved their lives.

Here are just a few of these stories.

Resources:
Learn more about breast exams.

Learn more about mammograms.

National Press Statement:
 "Alarmed and Saddened" by Komen Foundation Succumbing to Political Pressure, Planned Parenthood Launches Fund for Breast Cancer Services 

In the News:
Washington Post: AP Exclusive: Amid Abortion Debate, Komen Cancer Charity Halting Grants to Planned Parenthood

Huffington Post: On Planned Parenthood and Komen: What You Can Do

Huffington Post: Susan G. Komen Loses Support After Planned Parenthood Decision

Washington Post: Susan G. Komen Chapter: "We Are Absolutely Frustrated" by the Decision to Defund Planned Parenthood

NBC Nightly News: Planned Parenthood v. Breast Cancer Charity

Baltimore Sun: Komen's Attack on Abortion Rights

Kansas City Star: Komen's Cutting Planned Parenthood Funds Was a Mistake

The Herald: Komen Should Be Honest About Defund

The Last Word: Cecile Richards Hopes Komen "Rethinks" Breakup

New York Times: The Politics of Absolutely Everything

AP: Surprises About Planned Parenthood Cancer Testing

Washington Post: What Planned Parenthood Wins in Funding Fights with Komen and Congress

MSNBC: Komen Backs Off Decision on Funding Cuts

Politico: Planned Parenthood Gets Image Boost on Komen Win

Washington Post: Komen's Accidental Case Against Breast Exams

Politico: Susan G. Komen Flap Spurred on by Social Media

Star-Telegram: Komen Foundation's Change of Heart Delights Local Planned Parenthood Backers

Salon: Susan G. Komen's Priceless Gift

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.