The founder of Komen for the Cure, the breast cancer charity that found itself in a battle over abortion when it apparently decided to end contributions to Planned Parenthood and then indicated the abortion business would still be eligible to apply for donations, is now apologizing to Congress for how the organization handled the matter.
In a letter seeking federal funding, Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder Nancy Brinker apologized for the organization’s “mistakes” tht came during the national controversy over the donations.
“In the past few months, we made mistakes that ultimately raised questions in the community about our commitment to the mission of saving lives,” Brinker wrote. “We take full responsibility for these missteps and we extend our deepest apologies. Our commitment to ending breast cancer for all women remains unwavering and sincere.”
As Politico reports:
The group, which had made the controversial — and since-rescinded — decision earlier this year to yank funding from Planned Parenthood, is looking for congressional support on the CDC’s National Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Brinker wrote.
While Komen is able to invest heavily in breast cancer research and pay for screenings and other necessary financial support, Brinker told the members, “despite our reach, we cannot eradicate this disease without partners like you.”
“Though tough economic conditions present challenges to state and federal budgets, we hope that we can continue to look to you as a supporter of this life-saving program – not for Komen’s sake, but for the thousands of women whose only chance at early detection – and early treatment – is through NBCCEDP,” Brinker wrote. “Funding this crucial program at $275 million in FY 2013 will ensure that a half-million women are screened for breast cancer in the coming year.”
Last week, Komen cancelled its annual lobbying day on Capitol Hill in what is a sign the national organization is still reeling from the controversy surrounding its funding decisions related to Planned Parenthood.
According to a Daily Beast report, “The move is significant because it indicates that Komen’s problems could impact an array of women’s health initiatives that reach well beyond the ones the charity sponsors itself. At the annual lobbying day, activists push for government programs, not for Komen programs. These government programs focus on cancer research and early detection and treatment for underserved women.”
Leslie Aun, a spokeswoman for Komen, did not elaborate on the reasons for the cancellation, the web site reported. She also did not talk about whether Komen will provide any further funding to Planned Parenthood after it decided to cut off funds because it does not provide mammograms. Later Komen appeared to say Planned Parenthood is still eligible, which confused pro-life advocates.
For millions of pro-life advocates it’s about women and children and Komen will not earn their support back without a firm commitment to not funding the nation’s biggest abortion business — whose abortions have resulted in the deaths of more than 300,000 women from breast cancer they contracted following abortions.
Related web sites: Tell Komen: Don’t Cave on Cutting Planned Parenthood Funding
