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Congresswoman McCollum to Susan G. Komen Foundation: Don’t Blame Congress for Your Political Pandering to the Anti-Choice Agenda

February 1, 2012

For Immediate Release: February 1, 2012
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) responded to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation's decision to stop breast cancer prevention and treatment funding to Planned Parenthood. This week, the Susan G. Komen Foundation announced it would not renew grants for breast cancer prevention, screening, and education at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide. Foundation President Nancy Brinker said the Foundation had concerns because Planned Parenthood is being investigated by Congress.

"Breast cancer is a disease that knows no politics, and the fact that the Susan G. Komen Foundation allowed the anti-choice agenda to take control of the issue is tragic," said Congresswoman McCollum. "It is disappointing that the Komen Foundation would use Congress as an excuse to discontinue grant funding that supports breast cancer screening, education, and prevention services. Ms. Brinker's defense is weak. I hope the Foundation reconsiders its position by making early detection a top priority."

On September 15, 2011, Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL) sent a letter to Planned Parenthood announcing that his subcommittee was examining the institutional practices regarding their handling of federal funds. At the time, Congresswoman McCollum joined 84 of her colleagues in a letter to Congressman Stearns expressing their profound concern about his ideologically-motivated investigation. Planned Parenthood has been under attack from those who disagree with its mission to provide comprehensive health care to women.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation claims that its guidelines prevent grants from going to organizations that are under any investigation by any government authority. (Congressman Stearns' current investigation has found no wrongdoing.) But these guidelines coincide with the hiring of Karen Handel, Senior Vice President of Public Policy. During her failed gubernatorial run in Georgia, she strongly advocated defunding Planned Parenthood.

For nearly a century, Planned Parenthood has been providing millions of women and men with preventative and life-saving health services. Planned Parenthood serves women across the United States of all ages and incomes.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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