Not that it changes my mind...

A friend who read my blog chose not to support me not due to financial reasons or general disinterest, but because Komen supports Planned Parenthood and therefore abortions and death (not my words). Thanks to her though, I did some research and found that Komen did issue a grant to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas (I take more exception to Texas at this point!). I am glad she let me know because this has been an interesting morning of research for me.

Here is what I have to say:

I think it is important to know exactly where the money you are sending to an organization is going. The national Komen organization is funded partly by local organizations but partly by direct donations to them. You can support your local Komen chapter and even find out where your funds would be allocated without worrying about later implications of the money.

The money to Planned Parenthood is going to breast education for low-income people who use the clinic not simply for abortions but also for their health. To limit the scope of Planned's work to just abortions is discrediting the organization based on only one aspect. Doctors perform procedures that one may not agree with but we still see them for our own health. The women who use Planned Parenthood are entering an environment that they feel is safe for them, that they can afford. Healthcare is very complicated and Planned is better than the County clinic or no care at all. The more we can do to educate and prevent illness, the better.

Below is the article on the grant by Komen. I hope you feel a bit better about your donation. I participate in Race for the Cure annually and am very proud of it. If you'd like to donate, please visit my page.

Planned Parenthood Receives Breast Cancer Health Screening Grant

from Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund

Project targets low risk women ages 18-34

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund has selected Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region to receive a $17,000 grant to provide affordable and prompt breast health education and evaluations to low-income, low risk women ages 18 to 34.

With the Komen for the Cure’s grant, Planned Parenthood will provide valuable breast education and screening for Austin area women in 2007. Young women often fear the worst regarding their breast health. When they detect an unusual lump or thickening, they may not be able to distinguish between normal tissue and suspicious masses. These women often seek out complex diagnostics, creating an unnecessary expense for the patient as well as the health care system. Planned Parenthood seeks to interrupt this sequence of events by providing prompt and affordable breast evaluation and management services to low risk women. The breast evaluation and management services covered by the grant will include breast cancer risk assessment, a breast exam, breast education with nutrition and health counseling, a follow-up exam, and referral when needed.

Komen Fund 2007 grant recipients include the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin, Wright House Wellness Center, and Services for the Elderly.