Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation connections to Planned Parenthood

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BillyHW

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Greetings Fellow Catholic Culture Warriors!

I need your help and advice.

Recently someone I know has announced that she will be running in the Komen Race for the Cure (http://tinyurl.com/36lhj) on Saturday, April 16, 2005, and has asked her friends and family to sponsor her participation in this event by pledging donations. The ***Susan G. Komen Foundation ***(http://tinyurl.com/5shaw) raises money for breast cancer research, services and the general fight against breast cancer.

However, I have done some investigating and through the awesome power of Google discovered that the Komen Foundation has in the recent past given grants to Planned Parenthood:

lifesite.net/ldn/2005/feb/05022203.html

I have also scoured the foundation’s very own web site and found that their Indianapolis affiliate, the specific city in which my friend will participate in the run, has given $15,088 to Planned Parenthood of Greater Indiana in year 2004:

komenindy.org/index.asp?p=21
(scroll down to number 8)

So in light of all these things I was wondering if my fellow soldiers in the pro-life movment might be able to help me out with a few questions:

1. Does anyone know of any other connections the Susan G. Komen Foundation has with abortion or the culture of death in general? Or does anyone know if the Komen Foundation has changed their policies and are no longer supporting such evil?

2. According to Catholic moral theology, would it be wrong to participate in or pledge money to this charity, knowing about it’s grants to Planned Parenthood? If it is sinful, what is the gravity of the sin?

**3. **Should I inform my friend about this situation? She probably has no idea. I am uncertain about her position on abortion. How can I do this in the most polite and effective way possible (by the way, we communicate primarily by email)? I’m afraid I’ll come across as uncharitable or ungenerous. It’s also probably to late for her to do anything about it considering the race is tomorrow and she would not get my email before then.

4. Should I try to contact all the people my friend has solicited for donations and inform them of the situation? They probably have no idea, and probably don’t even know much about Planned Parenthood. How can I do this in the most polite and effective way possible. For instance, my friend sent out a mass email asking for sponsorship pledges. Would it be terribly rude and obnoxious to do a “reply all” and send out the information I have discovered? It’s quite possible that many on her email list are pro-choice, I have no way of knowing. It’s also probably too late for them for them to do anything about it considering the race is tomorrow as I write this post and many have already made their pledges.

5. Should I pledge to donate to another non-evil breast cancer charity in my friend’s name instead? Should I announce this to the others on her email list and suggest they do likewise?

**6. **What else can I do?

Any information, help, or advice anyone out there might be able to give me concerning this situation is greatly appreciated.:tiphat:

And if you want to go on a indignant rant about how so many charities are infiltrated and hijacked by the culture of death to advance their evil agenda, go right ahead!👍
 
I called the Komen number in Indianapolis because I had the same concerns. They said that, altho they did give to PP last year, it was not doing so this year. Hope this helps.
 
As crazy as this suggestion is: Check yourself with the Susan G.Komen foundation and also inform your acquaintance what you are doing.
 
If you already contributed, you have not sinned! For something to be a mortal sin it must be done freely, knowing that it was an evil action, and deciding to reject God by doing it anyway. Now that you know that supporting this organization contributes to rejection of life’s sacredness, you can no longer support this organization.

I would gently sit down with my friend and explain how very very pleased I was to help her, but that I’ll not be able to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation again because of a discovery. Explain that you were horrified when you recently learned that the foundation contributed to the ongoing murders of helpless children. Explain that while you want to support breast cancer research and women suffering from this devestating disease, but to continue to support this organization, knowing its agenda, would violate your faith. But because you want to support her and this cause, you would gladly make a donation to another group in her name.

As for the e-mail list, I think that it might be good to ask your friend if she would mind if I would send them an e-mail explaining the facts of what you learned.

I am personally glad to know this because I have been a big advocate for actions that will lead to eliminating breast cancer and providing a quality of life to those who have it. I have participated in contributions for the “Race for the Cure.” However, I will no longer do so, if it is related to the Komen Foundation! Thank you!!!

Bob
 
Interesting article here:

hometown.aol.com/dfjoseph/abortionbreastcancer.html

**It is estrogen, which is produced in the ovaries, that transforms a young girl into a woman. When ****pregnancy occurs, there is a SURGE of this hormone causing the breast cells to proliferate dramatically in ****the first trimester, in order to lay the foundation for the production of milk. These young growing cells are **more prone to develop cancer.

**In the second half of pregnancy, the estrogen levels RECEDE under the influence of such hormones as human placental lactogen. The immature cells, then grow and differentiate rapidly into mature, specialized milk producing tissue. Once specialization has occurred, the cells are less likely to turn cancerous. **

**When the pregnancy is terminated by an induced abortion, these young growing cells (known as ****undifferentiated cells), and having undergone drastic changes are now in LIMBO. They are no longer ****normal breast cells, nor are they capable of producing milk. **

**In plain English, these insulted cells (traumatized) have been hung out to dry. They are between a rock and ****a hard place. Scientists have known for years that any cell in the human body that has been traumatized, ****whether by chemicals, radiation, micro-trauma, or any other reason would be especially vulnerable to ****cancer. **
 
I would suggest finding an alternative group that only does cancer research aid, although I’m sure it’s getting tougher with fetal stem cell research issues these days. The safest bet is to find a Catholic group if possible. If you know that your friends are pro life and would listen to you about the horrible information you found out, then I would absolutely tell them. They will thank you for it. You know who they are. However, if you have liberal friends of which I have many, your sentiments will simply fall on deaf ears. If they have an open mind on the issue though, tell them, but otherwise, if you know it will be fruitless from previous experience, or even cause dammage to your relationship, then don’t mention it. These people will be influenced by your actions instead of your words, especially when you donate even more money to a legitimate charity in the future and ask them to join you. Otherwise they will see you as negative and more interested in politics than helping others. That’s how liberal’s minds work. God Bless you for efforts.
 
Yes SGK gives money to PP, and no they don’t plan to stop.

You should not give to SGK, the Polycarp Institute would be a good alternative.

When people solicit me, such as a friend just did a few weeks ago for the American Cancer Society, I research and then write back to them – but usually I don’t do a “reply all”.

I typically say, “before I give to a cause I research that cause to make sure that they are not involved in any questionable research or activities.” Then I go on to explain the research I did and the result. For example, I emailed ACS and asked if they support embryonic stem cell research-- they said yes-- so I emailed my friend what I found out and that I would not be able to make a donation.
 
I’m in the same position as you - a coworker of mine is doing the Breast Cancer 3 day walk and needs to raise money for it. I read an article in Our Sunday Visitor a couple months back about the Komen Foundation’s conncection to abortion and Planned Parenthood. It upset and saddened me, and I wrote to them to further clarify their position. Here’s the response from them:

"Thank you for contacting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation regarding your concerns about grants made to Planned Parenthood for breast health services. Our mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. We deeply appreciate your past support and hope the following information will be helpful in understanding this issue.

The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) review of recent scientific literature reveals that no conclusive evidence exists to suggest that abortion increases a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer. For highlights and links to the findings associated with this topic, please visit the Komen Foundation’s website, [komen.org](http://www.komen.org/).

**The common thread to the individuals we serve is that they are at risk for breast cancer. The Komen Foundation and its Affiliates do not provide any funding for abortions or for any activities outside the scope of our mission to eradicate breast cancer. **

The grants funded by the Komen Foundation and its Affiliates are specific to the Komen Foundation’s mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Komen Foundation Affiliates are responsible for conducting community needs assessments to identify gaps in breast health and breast cancer services within their respective communities. Any not-for-profit organization may apply for a grant from the Komen Foundation to provide services specific to our mission to eradicate breast cancer.
All community grants are restricted to provide vital breast health education, screening and treatment services for underserved women. The services funded by Komen Affiliates include breast health education programs, screening mammograms, clinical breast examinations, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasound, program promotion, and salary support for outreach workers and registered nurses that provide breast health education and clinical breast examinations.

In many urban and rural areas, Planned Parenthood may be the only source of free or low-cost women’s health screening services (e.g., pap smears, mammograms, clinical breast exams, etc.). Unfortunately, many underserved women find breast cancer at a later and more aggressive stage and have a higher mortality rate from this disease. Some Komen Affiliates provide restricted grants to local Planned Parenthood clinics that offer vital breast health services for underserved women in their communities. These services often help to provide otherwise unavailable breast screening for women ages 40 to 50, which may not be covered by the Centers for Disease Control’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

****Thank you for your past support and your commitment to our mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease."
 
Goravens, thanks for that post.

Satan can dress up pretty and clothe his “intentions” in words to lead the uninformed, but we can still recognize him.

There are charities worthy of donations.

Instead of funding these organizations, find people you know who are fighting this battle and help them directly. Committ your time and money to them and their families directly if you can’t find a worthy research organization.

It’s amazing how much trash and propaganda are out there.

Planned Parenthood WILL go down in flames, but it’s on God’s time, not ours.
 
If anyone knows other “charitable organizations” who support immoral activities, please let me know!
 
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trailblazer:
If anyone knows other “charitable organizations” who support immoral activities, please let me know!
Click to expand...
There are MANY. Almost all medical causes, such as Juvenile Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, March of Dimes, etc, support one or more immoral activities including abortion, fetal tissue research, and/or embryonic stem cell research.

Many others may not be apparent, so you should ask the organization directly. For example, many Girl Scout councils are in bed with Planned Parenthood-- girls can earn badges by visiting a PP or by participating in a PP sex education program.

Honestly, Catholic causes seem to be about the only safe cause. Even organizations that proclaim to help the poor are likely to support contraception, sterilization, and abortion in those countries.

You can visit American Life League, Life Decisions International, and/or Life Dynamics websites, I believe they have some info-- but hardly a comprehensive list.
 
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katy:
I called the Komen number in Indianapolis because I had the same concerns. They said that, altho they did give to PP last year, it was not doing so this year. Hope this helps.
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Well, that’s great news. I guess it’s okay then to make a pledge and not create a stink about it. Thanks for the info.
 
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timmyo:
Otherwise they will see you as negative and more interested in politics than helping others. That’s how liberal’s minds work. God Bless you for efforts.
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This was my fear. Of course I always have to keep a look out to make sure my own motivations aren’t because of politics but out of a genuine interest in helping others.
 
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goravens:
I’m in the same position as you - a coworker of mine is doing the Breast Cancer 3 day walk and needs to raise money for it. I read an article in Our Sunday Visitor a couple months back about the Komen Foundation’s conncection to abortion and Planned Parenthood. It upset and saddened me, and I wrote to them to further clarify their position. Here’s the response from them:

"Thank you for contacting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation regarding your concerns about grants made to Planned Parenthood for breast health services. Our mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. We deeply appreciate your past support and hope the following information will be helpful in understanding this issue.

The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) review of recent scientific literature reveals that no conclusive evidence exists to suggest that abortion increases a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer. For highlights and links to the findings associated with this topic, please visit the Komen Foundation’s website, [komen.org](http://www.komen.org/).

**The common thread to the individuals we serve is that they are at risk for breast cancer. The Komen Foundation and its Affiliates do not provide any funding for abortions or for any activities outside the scope of our mission to eradicate breast cancer. **

The grants funded by the Komen Foundation and its Affiliates are specific to the Komen Foundation’s mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Komen Foundation Affiliates are responsible for conducting community needs assessments to identify gaps in breast health and breast cancer services within their respective communities. Any not-for-profit organization may apply for a grant from the Komen Foundation to provide services specific to our mission to eradicate breast cancer.
All community grants are restricted to provide vital breast health education, screening and treatment services for underserved women. The services funded by Komen Affiliates include breast health education programs, screening mammograms, clinical breast examinations, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasound, program promotion, and salary support for outreach workers and registered nurses that provide breast health education and clinical breast examinations.

In many urban and rural areas, Planned Parenthood may be the only source of free or low-cost women’s health screening services (e.g., pap smears, mammograms, clinical breast exams, etc.). Unfortunately, many underserved women find breast cancer at a later and more aggressive stage and have a higher mortality rate from this disease. Some Komen Affiliates provide restricted grants to local Planned Parenthood clinics that offer vital breast health services for underserved women in their communities. These services often help to provide otherwise unavailable breast screening for women ages 40 to 50, which may not be covered by the Centers for Disease Control’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

****Thank you for your past support and your commitment to our mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease."
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Well, Katy says that the Indianapolis affiliate won’t be giving to PP this year, but I’m not sure what the organization as a whole is doing this year. I also don’t know what if any percentage of money given through the Indianapolis affiliate goes to “headquarters” and could then be distributed to PP. I guess I’ll have to hold off on any donations until I have some more info.
 
I’m sorry, but this could make a person crazy! How far down do you have to dig to know whether or not to support a given charity? Maybe Susan G. Komen is easy, or obvious, but what if I click on the Breast Cancer Site to Fund Free Mammograms (or something else) and find that they support, or get support from Susan G, Komen, or the ACS. I have MS. Do I have to see, if I donate to the NMSS, whether or not they fund and/or support fetal stem cell research? Probably so! I agree we can’t support obvious supporters of abortion, like PP, supported by the United Way, etc. but somewhere, there is a point where the line gets blurry. Let’s see…if I heavily support the Cub Scouts, then the United Way can divert money to PP that they might have given Scouts if their need was greater, so I better not donate to scouting. I know that’s a little extreme, but somewhere between, it’s not so obviou.
 
you mentioned the girl scouts thing – I have long heard about the senior levels of girl scouts being very pro-lesbian oriented, but since I don’t have kids of that age, haven’t really dug too deeply yet. Do you know for sure that girls can earn badges by visiting PP? I have a friend with a 7yr old girl in scouts who would probably VERY much appreciate that info, but I don’t want to freak her out unnecessarily, kwim? Any source info would be appreciated! Geeze – how in the heck do you have your kids enjoy their childhoods anymore!!!
 
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leaner:
you mentioned the girl scouts thing – I have long heard about the senior levels of girl scouts being very pro-lesbian oriented, but since I don’t have kids of that age, haven’t really dug too deeply yet. Do you know for sure that girls can earn badges by visiting PP? I have a friend with a 7yr old girl in scouts who would probably VERY much appreciate that info, but I don’t want to freak her out unnecessarily, kwim? Any source info would be appreciated! Geeze – how in the heck do you have your kids enjoy their childhoods anymore!!!
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I don’t know anything about the girl scouts. I only mentioned scouting (due to my sons, actually thinking boy scouts) as an example of an organization I thought was perfectly OK to support, but was itself supported by United Way, which is not OK to support, but maybe scouting isn’t really OK due to what you heard?!? Which was, in reality, my point - how do you KNOW where to draw the line? Legalistically speaking: Beyond any doubt? Beyond a reasonable doubt? By the preponderance of the evidence?
 
Does anyone know about “Relay for Life”? Is this also associated with the Komen Foundation? Or otherwise linked to morally repugnant practices?
 
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rec:
I don’t know anything about the girl scouts. I only mentioned scouting (due to my sons, actually thinking boy scouts) as an example of an organization I thought was perfectly OK to support, but was itself supported by United Way, which is not OK to support, but maybe scouting isn’t really OK due to what you heard?!? Which was, in reality, my point - how do you KNOW where to draw the line? Legalistically speaking: Beyond any doubt? Beyond a reasonable doubt? By the preponderance of the evidence?
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You do the best you can. I stay with Catholic charities and pro-life charities.
 
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