World News
Pro-life leaders praise Komen's decision on Planned Parenthood grants
Published: February 1, 2012
ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- The Jan. 31 announcement by Susan G. Komen for the Cure that it will no longer give grants to Planned Parenthood affiliates for breast cancer screenings "shows we are making a difference and having an impact," said a coordinator of pro-life programs for the St. Louis Archdiocese. Sarah Swaykus, who is with the Respect Life Apostolate, made the comments in an interview with the St. Louis Review, newspaper of the archdiocese. Maureen Kane, the apostolate's parish and elementary program coordinator, said she was pleased that the Komen organization recognized the inappropriateness of working with Planned Parenthood and that she hopes "they can direct their attention to continuing to help people dealing with cancer." Komen, an international organization based in Dallas, raises millions annually for the detection, treatment and research of breast cancer. One of its signature events is the annual Race for the Cure held in communities around the country. Besides providing abortions, Planned Parenthood offers free breast exams and mammograms, considered key to early detection of breast cancer. The Komen foundation had previously said that it intended its contributions go toward these exams but could not control how funds were allocated at Planned Parenthood. Leslie Aun, a spokeswoman for Komen, told The Associated Press that the organization's decision to end its relationship with Planned Parenthood was based on a new policy that says grants cannot be given to organizations that are being investigated by government authorities, whether it is at the state, local or federal level.
Copyright (c) Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .
