KOMEN REVERSES DECISION TO DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD

New Haven, CT (February 3, 2012) – Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is deeply appreciative the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has reconsidered its new funding criteria, effectively eliminating funding for Planned Parenthood services. Planned Parenthood affiliates will now be able to resume their lifesaving Komen partnerships.

Over the past six years, Komen’s Connecticut affiliate has supported the essential work of PPSNE and has contributed $160,000 for education and clinical services to a PPSNE program designed to eradicate financial barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment. These valuable grants have provided funds for PPSNE, ensuring over 950 mammograms and 69 ultrasounds have been provided for underserved and uninsured women. 

“Our top priority throughout this process has been ensuring patients in need receive breast health care.  We remain focused on that top priority,” stated Judy Tabar, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.  “While this has been a difficult process, we have even further strengthened the community support for breast cancer prevention, our resources for these services and community awareness about the critical importance of prevention,” Tabar continued. “We have also appreciated the shared dismay and frustration expressed by Anne Morris and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Connecticut.”

In Connecticut, Planned Parenthood provides services to over 63,000 patients and PPSNE clinicians perform over 15,000 clinical breast exams annually.  In coordination with other community providers, PPSNE ensures mammograms, ultrasounds and diagnostic breast health services are provided to our patients regardless of their income.

In these tough economic times, more women than ever need access to essential health care services like lifesaving breast cancer screenings. Nearly three-quarters of Planned Parenthood health centers are serving rural and underserved communities. African-American women have the highest incidence rate of breast cancer among women under the age of 40 and are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women or Latinas. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas.

“This decision is a resounding victory for women’s health care.  Komen’s reversal is a response to an overwhelming outpouring of support for women’s health – which I was proud to be a part of,” stated Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).  “I applaud this decision to reconsider this damaging policy and restore Komen’s partnership with Planned Parenthood, a trusted and effective provider of health services for millions of women across the country.  Now more than ever, we must resist and reject baseless, ideological attacks on women’s health care from extreme, right wing political groups,” continued Blumenthal.  “I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that every woman, regardless of income, has access to the vital health services she deserves.”

Planned Parenthood's quality, accessibility and affordability make it a leader in identifying breast cancer in the earliest stages, ensuring the best chances for successful treatment.  Nationally, Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses provide nearly 750,000 breast cancer screenings annually, offering risk assessments, breast exams, breast health information, education and diagnostic or surgical referrals.