Komen drops plan to cut Planned Parenthood grants

MILWAUKEE -- After three days of controversy, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer charity says it is reversing its decision to cut breast-screening grants to Planned Parenthood.

"We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives," a Komen statement said.

Komen had adopted criteria excluding Planned Parenthood from grants because it was under government investigation, notably a probe launched in Congress at the urging of anti-abortion groups.

Komen said Friday it would change the criteria so it wouldn't apply to such investigations.

In a news release issued late Friday morning, Tanya Atkinson, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin released the following statement:

“On behalf of our 72,000 patients who value access to essential health care services without political interference, Planned Parenthood is pleased that the Susan G. Komen Foundation reversed their decision today. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support all across the State. Komen's decision to restore funding for the thousands of women who rely on their partnership with Planned Parenthood for access to lifesaving clinical breast exams, is the right one. What these past few days have demonstrated is the deep resolve we all share in the fight against cancer, and we honor those who are at the helm of this battle. We call on Governor Walker and the Republican members of the Legislature who worked to eliminate over $1 million in funding for women's access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control and testing and treatment of STD's at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to follow Komen's lead and to restore our funding and end the partisan attacks on women's health care access. We hope Governor Walker heeds our call and puts his personal politics aside to join with us to provide the essential health care services women in Wisconsin need and deserve."