Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, February 1, 2012
The Ladies Komen Defunds Breast Cancer Screenings for Poor Women
Posted by Cienna Madrid on Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 8:09 AM
The nation's largest breast cancer charity, the pink-ribbon-festooned Susan G. Komen Foundation, has succumbed to right-wing pressure and defunded Planned Parenthood of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants—$680,000 last year and $580,000 the year before—money that primarily paid for breast exams for poor women.
Over the past five years, Komen funds have enabled Planned Parenthood health centers to provide nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and referrals for more than 6,400 mammograms. Now Komen says they've withdrawn their support because Planned Parenthood is under investigation by Congress (an investigation launched by right-wing, anti-choice groups) but the issue, as always, comes down to abortion.
“At the heart of this issue is the shameful ‘investigation’ of Planned Parenthood by House Republicans trying to score political points and appease their extreme right-wing base," said Senator Patty Murray in a statement. "Komen should not allow these sort of partisan games to put women across America at risk... this decision will cut women off from the health care providers they rely on for critical preventive care."
Senator Murray is half right, but it's not just about bowing to political pressure. It turns out, Komen is staffed by powerful anti-choice assholes. Here's what Komen's SVP public policy director, Karen Handel, had to say about Planned Parenthood in 2010, while (unsuccessfully) running for governor in Georgia:
"Let me be clear, since I am pro-life, I do not support the mission of Planned Parenthood. During my time as Chairman of Fulton County, there were federal and state pass-through grants that were awarded to Planned Parenthood for breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as a “Healthy Babies Initiative"... I'll eliminate them as your Governor."
Wow! What a socially responsible person hag.
It's clear that Handel and her Komen cohorts are no longer racing for a cure—they've stopped for a water break and to wage a holy war on Planned Parenthood, and they're willing to sacrifice the heath of thousands of women in the process. But hey, maybe next year they'll charitably donate a few thousand pink coffins to us poor ladies who relied on Planned Parenthood's free breast cancer screenings for early detection.
I think Komen should be reminded that their charity war chests come from thousands of women (and their families) who also donate to Planned Parenthood, support breast cancer research and women's right to comprehensive health care, and don't like being fucked with. Planned Parenthood is accepting donations to continue its breast cancer screenings HERE.
Meanwhile, Komen is hosting its annual, local fancy-assed Grace Notes Gala at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel on Saturday, March 3. Wouldn't it be fun if they had to race through a picket line to get to their $300-a-plate buffet?
*Thanks to all pro-lady Slog tippers everywhere for filling my inbox with frothy rage.
1
I've said it here before. Susan G. Komen is anti women's rights and healthcare. Women should not be fooled. They are also connected with the Kochs who have corrupted the right wing SCOTUS with their billions. It really is an outrage.
2
I'm told that donations from orgs like Komen can (and presumably were) specifically designated for this or that, breast cancer screening in this case. So it's not like any of the Komen money was going for abortions, though I'm sure it's going to be presented that way. What a bunch of bullshit.
3
Barbara Ehrenreich's classic essay "Welcome to Cancerland" is a good reminder of the breadth of the compromises Komen started making quite a while ago:
http://www.barbaraehrenreich.com/cancerl…
http://www.barbaraehrenreich.com/cancerl…
4
It's moments like these when an organization shows you its inner workings. Not as rosy as the PR, but of course that's usually the case.
Cancer has no social agenda, but it appears Komen does. Money, what societal problems can't it complicate?
Cancer has no social agenda, but it appears Komen does. Money, what societal problems can't it complicate?
5
@3 This. Komen hasn't been a good guy in a long time, if it ever was. Mainly it's a PR vehicle for Union Carbide and Dow Chemical, a way for them to pretend to care about public health while sidestepping their responsibility for toxins in the environment. That, and a way to exploit the pain of people who have lost someone to breast cancer and would like to help eradicate it. As an alternative that's actually doing something to stop cancer, I recommend Breast Cancer Action: http://bcaction.org/
6
People need to stop donating money to or otherwise supporting right fucking now. Give it to Planned Parenthood instead. I do, and I'm a guy.
7
I've just made a (piddly, in the scheme of things) donation to Planned Parenthood, and forwarded the confirmation e-mail to news@komen.org—Komen's PR contact, and the most appropriate e-mail address I could extract from their site.
8
Any suggestions on other orgs to donate to? I work for a company that donates a fair amount and would like to direct funds to a more lady friendly breast cancer org
10
My wife's best friend is an oncologist, and she despises the Susan G. Komen Fund. I don't know all her specific reasons, but it basically comes down to the fact that they're bullies and have forced a disproportionate amount of cancer research funding towards breast cancer. At least the bullying part would seem to be confirmed by this article.
12
If you want to lose your mind for a bit, go read the comments about this on the Seattle Times (I know, I know...don't feed the trolls, but sometimes they're that zit that should be left alone, but you really want to see the pus run). On the plus side, they made angry enough to write a check to Planned Parenthood.
13
This, plus all the bad PR SGK Foundation has been receiving lately for their heavy-handed "brand protection" (i.e. threatening to sue the pants off of every mom-and-pop charity in North America with the temerity to use either the word "Cure" in their title, or the color pink in their logo), and it's pretty clear they've become little more than a non-profit facade for a very large money-making machine.
Would be interesting to see just exactly how much of the donations they receive gets spent on things like, um, actual cancer screening and treatment, as opposed to overhead, solicitations and legal retainers & fees.
Would be interesting to see just exactly how much of the donations they receive gets spent on things like, um, actual cancer screening and treatment, as opposed to overhead, solicitations and legal retainers & fees.
14
This is not merely a political debate and it will not go away.
On one side are those who believe abortion is murder.
On the other side are those who believe that that, whether that is true or not, is trumped by a woman's right to control her own body.
All of the mitigating issues; incest, rape, opposers should not oppose unless they adopt rape babies etc. are red herrings. Neither side would acquiesce if those issues were agreed upon in their favor unless the main issue were also.
Ultimately one side is always and the other is never.
The abolitionists did not go away until slavery ended, both sides in this issue hold a conviction similar to that of the abolitionist.
1. Willful murder can never be condoned by a just society.
2. Personal rights can not be abridged regardless of any special case for pregnancy.
The heat and frothy rage will not dissipate.
Planned Parenthood will not go away or stop performing abortions. Abortion opponents will not be swayed by ancillary good works performed by it.
On one side are those who believe abortion is murder.
On the other side are those who believe that that, whether that is true or not, is trumped by a woman's right to control her own body.
All of the mitigating issues; incest, rape, opposers should not oppose unless they adopt rape babies etc. are red herrings. Neither side would acquiesce if those issues were agreed upon in their favor unless the main issue were also.
Ultimately one side is always and the other is never.
The abolitionists did not go away until slavery ended, both sides in this issue hold a conviction similar to that of the abolitionist.
1. Willful murder can never be condoned by a just society.
2. Personal rights can not be abridged regardless of any special case for pregnancy.
The heat and frothy rage will not dissipate.
Planned Parenthood will not go away or stop performing abortions. Abortion opponents will not be swayed by ancillary good works performed by it.
15
It's unfortunate that SGK Foundation has such great "brand" recognition, because they are (and have always been) a hell of a shitty "charity".
Hopefully this showing of SGK's true colors will make far more people aware of that.
Hopefully this showing of SGK's true colors will make far more people aware of that.
16
Nancy Goodman Brinker, Susan Komen's sister and founder/current CEO of the foundation, was "Chief of Protocol of the United States from 2007 to the end of the George W. Bush administration" and an appointee to several high-profile committees by Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Dan Quayle (Wikipedia).
18
I care about the women in my life, the ones who could get breast cancer and the ones that want control over their own bodies... aka ALL OF THEM. FUCK THIS.
19
"grants that were awarded to Planned Parenthood for breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as a “Healthy Babies Initiative"... I'll eliminate them as your Governor."
Who eliminates care for babies? I thought that was the point of NOT having an abortion - to have a healthy baby.
Oh, that's right - they stop caring about the babies after they are born.
These people have just shot themselves in the foot.
Who eliminates care for babies? I thought that was the point of NOT having an abortion - to have a healthy baby.
Oh, that's right - they stop caring about the babies after they are born.
These people have just shot themselves in the foot.
20
SGK message forum on their site, with various pro and con comments:
http://apps.komen.org/Forums/tt.aspx?for…
http://apps.komen.org/Forums/tt.aspx?for…
21
Good job bringing this to the masses. Everyone looks at me bewildered when I'm asked to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and then I try to explain that I don't like their politics...
22
Well, that's it!
Reluctantly, 'cause I kind of like it, I'm throwing away that pink rubber bracelet I got from Komen. Although it wasn't much, I'm now sorry I gave them any money. While I believe in research, not at the expense of treatment and prevention and not in the name of self-important ideologues and their hypocritical religiousity
Reluctantly, 'cause I kind of like it, I'm throwing away that pink rubber bracelet I got from Komen. Although it wasn't much, I'm now sorry I gave them any money. While I believe in research, not at the expense of treatment and prevention and not in the name of self-important ideologues and their hypocritical religiousity
23
Brainstorm! re: @22, I'm not going to throw it away. I'm going to cut it up and mail it back to them, with a little note.
24
#1, Vince, and #5, Prettybetsy, ,
are EXACTLY right!!!
And shame, shame, shame on Ms. Madrid and anyone else who has ever promoted this absolute farce and foundation scam from the getgo!!!!
This outfit was founded and run by ultra-neocons from its inception, being used to funnel monies to the very same pharmaceutical firms (and other entities) which may have increased the amount of breast cancer by their introduction of poorly, or non-, tested synthetics into the environment.
As many far more knowledgeable than myself have explained, over 60,000 untested synthetics have been introduced to our habitat since the Reagan Administration, which, along with those coming after it, have whittled away FDA and other health-prevention regulations.
You look under a rock, you find creepy-crawly things......you look into the background of Komen, you find the same.
And remember, so many of those unnecessary mammograms profited those companies making the equipment and promoting them --- ever and ever more radiation directed at the victims!
are EXACTLY right!!!
And shame, shame, shame on Ms. Madrid and anyone else who has ever promoted this absolute farce and foundation scam from the getgo!!!!
This outfit was founded and run by ultra-neocons from its inception, being used to funnel monies to the very same pharmaceutical firms (and other entities) which may have increased the amount of breast cancer by their introduction of poorly, or non-, tested synthetics into the environment.
As many far more knowledgeable than myself have explained, over 60,000 untested synthetics have been introduced to our habitat since the Reagan Administration, which, along with those coming after it, have whittled away FDA and other health-prevention regulations.
You look under a rock, you find creepy-crawly things......you look into the background of Komen, you find the same.
And remember, so many of those unnecessary mammograms profited those companies making the equipment and promoting them --- ever and ever more radiation directed at the victims!
25
This is part of an organized campaign against Planned Parenthood. Komen knew exactly what they were doing here. The (Gingrich-associated) kooks are out in force now, repeating idiotic lies (started by Andrew Breitbart) that "Planned Parenthood doesn't do mammograms" because, you see, the doctor and the machine are elsewhere, even though PP gives the referral AND PAYS THE BILL.
The right wing women's movement -- because there is such a thing, as bizarre as it sounds -- is tirelessly devoted to stopping any kind of free health care for poor women, because, well, that's socialism, and socialism is a far greater threat to women than getting sick and dying.
In a way, I look at this as Komen coming out of the closet, so to speak, and becoming an explicitly right-wing organization. I wouldn't be surprised to see Callista Gingrich as their next leader.
The right wing women's movement -- because there is such a thing, as bizarre as it sounds -- is tirelessly devoted to stopping any kind of free health care for poor women, because, well, that's socialism, and socialism is a far greater threat to women than getting sick and dying.
In a way, I look at this as Komen coming out of the closet, so to speak, and becoming an explicitly right-wing organization. I wouldn't be surprised to see Callista Gingrich as their next leader.
26
@ 13; here in the netherlands it turned out that of the 16 milion euros raised by the pinkribbon foundation over the last few years only 288.000 ended up in scientific research. the national cancer fund ceased all cooperation with the foundation after that (a cooperation they only started because pinkribbon took them to court over the use of pink in fundraising campaings).
i assume the US was the blue(pink)print for this
i assume the US was the blue(pink)print for this
27
I couldn't freakin believe this when I heard it on the news this morning. I guess we can be grateful that the Komen people have tipped their hand so fully, finally (what Fnarf said @25 - they are an explicitly right-wing outfit, and now we know)...
Donation to PP coming up...
Donation to PP coming up...
28
@7 yoder: Great idea! I did the same, including this message:
I've long thought Susan G. Komen was nothing but pinkwashing and a scam. Thank you for making it obvious to everyone. This is new money for Planned Parenthood, I haven't donated to them in the past.
29
I have typed up a huge tirade that has left me exhasted. I'm not going to post the Longest Rant Ever.
But this is... embarrassing for this country. I am embarrassed.
Women are still chips to be gambled. Robots to be controlled. Property to be sold.
Just: fuck.
But this is... embarrassing for this country. I am embarrassed.
Women are still chips to be gambled. Robots to be controlled. Property to be sold.
Just: fuck.
30
Just increased my monthly donation to Planned Parenthood. I can't imagine how upset Susan Komen herself would be by this action from a foundation named for her.
31
That awful Planned Parenthood and their 'Healthy Babies Initiative!"
Is she trying to sound like a comedy sketch?
Is she trying to sound like a comedy sketch?
32
Here's a Globe and Mail article on the backlash against the pink ribbon campaign
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/heal…
And here is a documentary called Pink Ribbon Inc.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2035599/
And last is a CBC Radio talk about the issues and the film
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/201…
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/heal…
And here is a documentary called Pink Ribbon Inc.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2035599/
And last is a CBC Radio talk about the issues and the film
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/201…
33
@3 Great link! It got me into a discussion with a coworker who had breast cancer. She too had issues with the "cult" like aspects surrounding breast cancer treatment. I've never donated to Komen because they give very little money to research, but I had no idea they were giving so much money to PP. Time to make another donation. I wonder if they have a way to just set up monthly automatic donations.
34
March 3rd is now on my calendar. I'll be in Seattle that day, and I'll be in front of that hotel with a sign supporting PP. Anyone else want to join me?
I already donated to PP in honor of the stupidity of SGK and had the card sent to their national headquarters.
Fuck the Komen foundation and their rabid right-winger rulers.
I already donated to PP in honor of the stupidity of SGK and had the card sent to their national headquarters.
Fuck the Komen foundation and their rabid right-winger rulers.
35
There's a big fundraising gala coming up, anybody down for a protest?
http://www.komenpugetsound.org/get-invol…
http://www.komenpugetsound.org/get-invol…
36
Thank you, The Stranger for finally pointing out that this isn't actually a case of an otherwise-pro-woman organization bowing to conservative pressure, but is in fact a conservative, anti-woman organization doing exactly what we'd expect one to do.
@1: Vince nailed it here. Komen's a charity-profiteering organization whose primary objective is marketing its brand, not fighting breast cancer or helping women. They've been that way for a LONG time now. I don't find this surprising in the least, though I'm still sad to see PP lose more funding. Go read Samantha King's excellent Pink Ribbons, Inc., everyone.
@1: Vince nailed it here. Komen's a charity-profiteering organization whose primary objective is marketing its brand, not fighting breast cancer or helping women. They've been that way for a LONG time now. I don't find this surprising in the least, though I'm still sad to see PP lose more funding. Go read Samantha King's excellent Pink Ribbons, Inc., everyone.
37
According to this article, Komen put the "investigation" rule in place specifically to apply it to PP. It was a convenient way to create a convenient excuse.
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/arch…
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/arch…
39
I REALLY try to avoid Schadenfruede,
BUT, this is "pride goeth before the fall" writ huge. The SGK board made this decision "knowing" that the US populace would accept the policy change like good little pink fleeced sheep. What they got was the backlash that the US populace has been wanting to give the boneheads in Congress, but couldn't because access is (purposely) severely limited; individuals had an opportunity for direct action, and attacked. This could be tied over to the Occupy movement, and to increasing other political direct action (I hope).
I hope the founder remembers that her sister was A breast cancer victim, not THE breast cancer victim. SGK should remember they are taking the responsibility for helping breast cancer victims that need help the most, namely people that don't have access to healthcare because they're poor. Given how much of their income is spent on overhead, and not their stated goals, I have to believe they don't.
Peace.
BUT, this is "pride goeth before the fall" writ huge. The SGK board made this decision "knowing" that the US populace would accept the policy change like good little pink fleeced sheep. What they got was the backlash that the US populace has been wanting to give the boneheads in Congress, but couldn't because access is (purposely) severely limited; individuals had an opportunity for direct action, and attacked. This could be tied over to the Occupy movement, and to increasing other political direct action (I hope).
I hope the founder remembers that her sister was A breast cancer victim, not THE breast cancer victim. SGK should remember they are taking the responsibility for helping breast cancer victims that need help the most, namely people that don't have access to healthcare because they're poor. Given how much of their income is spent on overhead, and not their stated goals, I have to believe they don't.
Peace.
41
Oh my,
It seems there is an expose' documentary about "selling the pink ribbon" being released today. "Pride goeth before the fall" meets "The bigger they are, the harder they fall"?
As long as breast cancer gets dealt with in a serious manner, let us hope for the best.
Peace.
It seems there is an expose' documentary about "selling the pink ribbon" being released today. "Pride goeth before the fall" meets "The bigger they are, the harder they fall"?
As long as breast cancer gets dealt with in a serious manner, let us hope for the best.
Peace.
42
Please watch this video done by a breast cancer survivor.
What breast cancer is and what it is not. (Hint: it isn't going to take the heart from this woman!)
Peace.
What breast cancer is and what it is not. (Hint: it isn't going to take the heart from this woman!)
Peace.
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