Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq.

(San Francisco, CA, February 1, 2012)—Yesterday, Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced it would no longer financially support Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country to help them provide thousands of breast exams per year.

Officials from Planned Parenthood, which offers wide-ranging reproductive health care services, with work focused on pro-choice decision-making and sexual education, say the funding was cut because of pressure from anti-choice groups.

Funding from Komen—$68,000 last year, according to the Associated Press—has covered approximately 170,000 Planned Parenthood breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals over the last five years, and none of that money goes towards other programs or services.

Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell:

“How sad, destructive and unconscionable for Susan G. Komen for the Cure to turn its back on the very women it pretends to help. When self-interest and wealth accumulation become your primary goals, the first casualties are integrity and values. The only action Komen can take to restore some shred of dignity is to reverse this tragic decision.”

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
www.NCLRights.org .