February 3, 2012, Washington, DC — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today commended the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® foundation for reversing its decision to defund cancer screenings performed by Planned Parenthood. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“NCJW was deeply disappointed when the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® foundation first announced it would no longer fund breast cancer prevention services provided by Planned Parenthood clinics. Today, we applaud the foundation for reversing that decision.
“Thousands of NCJW members and supporters spoke out against Komen’s initial decision, dismayed that a women’s health organization would put politics ahead of women’s health. We are pleased that the Komen foundation responded to the public outcry by reconsidering their decision and reaffirming their commitment to promoting health and wellness for all women.
“For years, NCJW advocates from across the United States have helped initiate and coordinate Komen Races for the Cure. Likewise, our members and supporters have a long history of partnership with Planned Parenthood. Both relationships are essential to our efforts to improve women’s access to health care, and Komen’s decision to retain its association with Planned Parenthood ensures that those partnerships can carry on and that women will continue to get needed cancer screenings and referral services from a trusted health care provider.”
