The backlash against the Susan G. Komen foundation for their decision to stop the grants to Planned Parenthood has been interesting and even more interesting is the differing views of my group of friends. I try to keep my religious and political beliefs to myself but I get angry when women's rights continue to be a question and a political agenda, when they should just be a fact. I believe that the Komen foundation, as a non-profit organization, has the right to decide to fund whoever they choose. I, as a private citizen, have the right to choose who will receive my budgeted charity donations.
With that said, I think Komen is getting so big that they are missing the point and forgetting the mission. Their website says that part of the mission is "working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures." Planned Parenthood does this more than any other organization I know. Many women I know can say that Planned Parenthood was their primary caregiver at some point in their lives. It seems silly to discontinue funding to an organization who does so much for women with regard to prevention and screening. Isn't that part of the "cure"?
Planned Parenthood provides counseling and access to ALL options for women and their reproductive health. Isn't that how it should be? As with anything in life, the same choice isn't the best choice for all of us. The choice to reproduce should be between a woman and her partner -- not an agenda point for a political debate. I have yet to see a man's right to be or not to be a father questioned or used as a political speaking point.
I will continue to support Planned Parenthood and all the good things they do for women who need reasonably priced health care. I probably won't be lending my efforts or money to the Komen foundation anytime soon. I may just start a rainbow colored ribbon race to fund free birth control and birth control education for all humans.
