Could anyone have expected the boxing match that occurred last week when Susan G Komen for the Cure announced they were severing funding for Planned Parenthood while the latter is under federal investigation for alleged improper use of funds? And, the punches have not even begun to end as the outcry from political organizations and women saying they cannot forgive Komen, even though that decision was reversed, continue to tag-team Komen.
As a seventeen year breast cancer survivor, I am greatly dismayed and disheartened as I watch the punches being thrown by those using the decision as a platform to promote their agenda. I have stayed involved in the cancer community as a coach, advisor and prayer companion for others on their personal cancer journey and, as such, have some very strong opinions regarding the spiritual, political and personal aspects of what has transpired since last Wednesday. However, it is my opinion that we need to step out of the boxing ring and start using some common sense.
Komen is a non-profit organization as is Planned Parenthood. They have strict guidelines that they must adhere to or they risk losing their 501(c)(3) status. Although giving funds to other non-profit organizations during a federal investigation is not one of the criteria for losing a 501(c)(3) status, think about the potential ramifications of any such organization giving funds to another such organization if the latter WAS found guilty of the allegations. This could very easily become a "guilty by association" and lead to federal investigating of the funding organization. Apply this common sense concept to these two organizations and the potential ramifications for Komen being pulled into a federal investigation are greatly increased since the very subject of the federal investigation into Planned Parenthood is improper use of funds.
Why would Komen naively subject their organization to such scrutiny for what appears to be around 10% or their total annual funding? (In 2011 the amount given to Planned Parenthood in grants was $680,000.) It was a brilliant business move, for the Komen board, to change their criteria to disallow funding organizations under federal investigation. This move would have allowed for future funding to Planned Parenthood if the investigation proved there was no wrong-doing on the latter's part.
In my opinion, it is very unfortunate that Komen buckled under the punches they received from organizations and individuals alike. They have been left in a heap in the middle of the boxing ring yet many are still taking punches under the guise of "saving lives". Planned Parenthood, has disclosed that the vast majority of their family planning/abortion clinics across the nation, do not offer mammograms. They outsource mammograms to medical clinics whose services include cancer screening. In other words, the funds granted by Komen to Planned Parenthood are used by Planned Parenthood to pay for the services underprivileged women receive from other healthcare providers. Why not give funds to these organizations directly if they qualify for funding?
Komen needs to catch their breath, stand up proudly and defend their original decision to cut-off funding to Planned Parenthood. Lives will continue to be saved whether or not Komen ever gives Planned Parenthood another penny.
You can personally help save lives by going to: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2
Simply click in the box and you will give the gift of a mammogram to someone who needs it.
Please choose to click instead of punch.
Carin Hansen was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40. After a long battle she emerged victorious and began a one-on-one wardrobe and beauty consulting business for other women journeying through cancer. She has been a model, actress, talent agency owner, benefit founder, certified acting/modeling instructor, writer, speaker and passionate cancer advocate. Please visit Carin's website at http://www.bridges2beauty.net/ for information and encouragement that is helpful and hopeFULL. You can purchase a hard copy of her book "A Woman's Cancer Journey Primer" or upload a free PDF on the website also. It is important to remember that Carin is not a physician and does not subscribe to or recommend any particular medical procedure or alternative treatment. She strongly urges you to consult with your Primary Physician, Oncologist and/or Surgeon before implementing any of her suggestions found in her articles, newsletter, blogs and books.
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