Donations to Planned Parenthood soar after Komen Foundation halts funding

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Donations have poured into Planned Parenthood after Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the United States, withdrew its funding on Tuesday.

Following the Komen Foundation’s announcement, supporters of Planned Parenthood have rushed in to make up for the shortfall.

Just 24 hours after Planned Parenthood had its funding cut, the organization brought in $400,000 from online donations from some 6,000 people. The largest donation was to the tune of $250,000. Planned Parent did not divulge the name of the contributor.

Advocates for Planned Parenthood said the move was politically motivated, and critics charge the Komen Foundation has put politics ahead of health.

Planned Parenthood has come under fire from pro-lifers because they provide abortions in addition to other counseling and screening.

Susan G. Komen maintains it withdrew funding from Planned Parenthood not because of politics, but because of a congressional investigation Planned Parenthood is undergoing to determine if the nonprofit used federal money to fund abortions, a violation of the 1976 Hyde Amendment. Previous audits of Planned Parenthood have found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Since 1970, Planned Parenthood has received federal funding. The funds followed President Richard Nixon signature on the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act.

---