In the past week we have heard the news that Susan G. Komen for the Cure was withdrawing future grant funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its affiliates. Then after protests from PPFA supporters, Komen reversed its decision and said PPFA would remain eligible for grant funding.
On its Web site, Susan G. Komen for the Cure says it has “become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.” This is a worthy endeavor. We do want our society to work for early detection, better treatment, and hopefully a cure for breast cancer.
Abortion and breast cancer
In the midst of this controversy, I did not notice media coverage about the possible links between abortion and breast cancer, especially since Planned Parenthood is one of the leading abortion providers in our country.
The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer (www.abortionbreastcancer.com) has information on the link between abortion and breast cancer. As of 2006, eight medical organizations recognized that abortion raises a woman’s risk for breast cancer.
Since then, National Cancer Institute studies have indicated that there is no association between abortion and breast cancer. However, others draw comparisons between the abortion industry and the tobacco industry’s cover-up of links to cancer.
Questionable services
Besides this concern, the American Life League revealed that Komen affiliates had awarded $629,159 to PPFA affiliates for “breast health.” However, it was discovered that no PPFA facilities actually provide mammograms but rather give manual exams most women can do themselves. In addition, PPFA is the focus of a congressional investigation and state investigations for avoiding child-protection laws and possible cases of fraud.
I would encourage those concerned to contact Susan G. Komen for the Cure (http://ww5.komen.org/) and urge them not to give any further grants to PPFA. There are more ethical ways to fight breast cancer than by funding Planned Parenthood.