Dallas, Texas, Jan 31, 2012 / 23:26 pm
In the midst of a congressional investigation, Planned Parenthood has lost the support of the nation's leading breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Last year Planned Parenthood received roughly $680,000 in grants from Komen and $580,000 the year before.
Komen spokeswoman Leslie Aun told the Associated Press that the cutoff is a result of the charity's recently adopted criteria which prohibits giving grants to organizations undergoing investigations by local, state or federal authorities.
Planned Parenthood has been the subject of a federal investigation headed by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) since last year. The investigation was launched after the pro-life group Americans United for Life issued a report indicating financial irregularities and involvement in assisting those involved in sex-trafficking and prostitution.
Planned Parenthood officials reacted to today’s decision by Susan G. Komen with surprise and dismay. They claimed that the move was politically motivated.
“It's hard to understand how an organization with whom we share a mission of saving women's lives could have bowed to this kind of bullying. It's really hurtful,” Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America told the Associated Press.
With nearly 800 centers nationwide, Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading abortion provider.