Speaker Quinn Opines on the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Reversal Related to its Decision to Stop Funding Breast Screenings at Planned Parenthood

The Susan G. Komen foundation, famous for its pink ribbons and fund raising activities supporting breast cancer, has been the center of a controversy related to their recent decision to stop funding breast screenings at Planned Parenthood Centers. After much protest and a massive spike in direct donations to Planned Parenthood, including a large personal donation from Mayor Bloomberg, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has reversed its decision. Here is a letter circulated by Speaker Quinn and her request to hear your opinions pertaining to the related topic of “pregnancy service centers”. If interested in learning more about or weighing in on the debate, please read on.

You do have a voice. All you need to do is click on the link below and type what you believe.

Gregory

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Dear New Yorker,

WE DID IT! Thank you for showing Planned Parenthood your support!

I'm relieved that the leadership of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has reconsidered their ill-conceived decision to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screenings. This is the right decision for an organization committed to women's health. I'm proud to stand with so many leaders and private citizens, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who generously supported Planned Parenthood and reaffirmed his commitment to comprehensive women's healthcare.

However, I think that this incident only serves to remind us that opponents of reproductive rights will stop at nothing to ensure that organizations like Planned Parenthood are defunded at any cost. I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood and support them in all the services they provide including cancer screenings, gynecological care, and abortions—services that save women's lives and protect their health.

For updates on the City Council's efforts to protect our reproductive rights including the fight for regulation of pregnancy service centers, please visit,

http://council.nyc.gov/html/action_center/cpc_2011.shtml

Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council

Susan G. Komen Foundation Withdrawals funding for Breast Cancer Exams at Planned Parenthood Facilities

Speaker Quinn issued the following related to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and it's decision to stop funding breast cancer exams at Planned Parenthood Centers.

Gregory
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STATEMENT BY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE C. QUINN

Re: Susan G. Komen Foundation withdrawal of funding for breast cancer exams at Planned Parenthood facilities

"The decision of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to cut off funding for breast cancer exams at Planned Parenthood health centers is disappointing, and despite their protests to the contrary, appear to be a direct result of years of pressure from opponents of women's healthcare.

"Planned Parenthood helps tens of thousands of women nationwide identify breast cancer early when there is the best chance of successful treatment. Although this does not directly affect New Yorkers, the politicization of breast cancer screening funding decisions by Susan G. Komen will certainly affect all women across the country.

"Komen has been a trusted leader in the fight against breast cancer for many years. I'm disappointed that an organization which has done so much good for women and their health has capitulated to anti-choice ideologues and made a terribly damaging decision."