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

New Haven, CT (January 31, 2012) – Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) expresses deep disappointment in response to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation’s decision to stop funding breast cancer prevention, screenings and education at Planned Parenthood health centers. Anti-women’s health groups have repeatedly targeted and boycotted the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation for partnering with Planned Parenthood to provide lifesaving cancer screenings. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation ultimately succumbed to these pressures.

“As a health care provider in two states, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is a trusted leader in helping women to identify breast cancer early. Women are deeply alarmed and saddened that the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation appears to have succumbed to political pressure from a vocal minority,” said Judy Tabar, President and CEO of PPSNE. Tabar continues, “For years, opponents of women’s health have waged an aggressive pressure campaign aimed at the Susan G. Komen Foundation at the expense of women’s health and lives.”

Planned Parenthood's quality, accessibility and affordability make it a leader in identifying breast cancer in the earliest stages, ensuring the best chances for successful treatment. Nationally, Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses provide nearly 750,000 breast cancer screenings annually, offering risk assessments, breast exams, breast health information, education and diagnostic or surgical referrals. In response to the discontinuation of Komen funding, Planned Parenthood has set up the Breast Health Emergency Fund with a founding donation of $250,000 to support the continuing critical services Planned Parenthood provides to underserved and uninsured women. 

“While we wish the Komen Foundation reconsiders its decision, we will continue to provide the same level of critical health services for the underserved women in our communities,” states Tabar. “We appreciate the support of our donors and the Breast Health Emergency Fund, who have stepped up to further these critical services.”

In Connecticut, Planned Parenthood provides services to over 63,000 patients and PPSNE clinicians perform over 15,000 clinical breast exams annually. In coordination with other community providers, PPSNE ensures mammograms, ultrasounds and diagnostic breast health services have been provided to our patients regardless of their income.

One in five women in America has come to Planned Parenthood at some point in her life. More than 90 percent of Planned Parenthood health care services are preventive in nature, including lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, testing for and treatment of STDs, breast health services, Pap tests, and sexual health education and information.