This week, Susan G. Komen for the Cure — the largest breast cancer advocacy group, and creator of the Pink Ribbon campaign — cut its funding for a Planned Parenthood project to screen disadvantaged women for breast cancer.

Komen has since stated that the plan to defund Planned Parenthood was based on a newly adopted foundation rule prohibiting it from funding groups that are under formal investigation by a government body. (Parenthood is under an investigation led by Rep. Cliff Stearns, an anti-abortion Florida Republican, who says he wants to find out if the group spent public money to provide abortions.)

In turn, the controversy ensued and protests were arranged. Since the organization’s decision, Mollie Williams, the top Susan G. Komen official has also resigned to protest the organization’s decision, saying in a recent statement “ … anyone who knows me personally would tell you that I am an advocate for women’s health. I have dedicated my career to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and underserved. And I believe it would be a mistake for any organization to bow to political pressure and compromise its mission.”

Also, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has vowed to make up $250,000 of the missing funds out of his own pocket. (Previously, Planned Parenthood received $600,000 annually from Susan G. Komen.)

Susan G. Komen’s decision is quite suspicious and is obviously politically motivated — considering Stearns’ ongoing investigation into Planned Parenthood and this mysteriously new rule or guideline that came out of nowhere. Whether pro-life or pro-choice, everyone should have the opportunity to be screened for breast cancer, including those who can’t afford it. Because of their decision, Susan G. Komen has made it even more difficult for disadvantaged women to receive screening for breast cancer. That actually is the exact opposite of the purpose of this organization, so good job Susan G. Komen, for being a complete misnomer.

The above editorial is the consensus

of the Daily Kent Stater editorial

board.