The Surprising Rift Between a Breast Cancer Charity and Planned Parenthood

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation decided to pull its funding from Planned Parenthood, citing a Congressional investigation into Planned Parenthood, and apparently catching supporters of both organizations off guard. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the breast cancer charity decided to end its partnership because Planned Parenthood is the subject of a Congressional investigation from Florida Republican Cliff Stearns, who is looking into reports that public money was spent on abortions.

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As one might expect with a story about breast cancer and abortion, the reactions have been quite charged. The news is  "wrenching for some of those who've learned about it and admire both organizations," writes the AP. Planned Parenthood says the Komen Foundation made the decision because of "pressure from anti-women's health political organizations," which the Foundation denies. The Komen Foundation has given money to fund breast exams for years, and Planned Parenthood says they've performed almost 170,000 with Komen's donations alone. Planned Parenthood is already using the news to ask for donations to replace the lost funds. Those who support the missions of both organizations (and especially those who see Rep. Stearns' investigation as a politically motivated) would probably rather they just bridge their differences. As Salon's Alex Pareene sarcastically tweeted, "Good thing breast cancer got cured so Susan G. Komen can focus on bullshit right-wing pseudo-scandals instead."