Planned Parenthood vs. Komen Foundation....Pick a side or don't....but take a stand...

There's a discussion going on about the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation recently announcing that it was ending its funding to Planned Parenthood (PP).  Yes, PP offers abortions; let's go ahead and get that part out of the way.  But, it also offers breast cancer screenings and exams to women, who might not otherwise be able to afford them, at minimal or no cost.  PP believes Komen gave in to pressure from anti-abortion groups.  While the "why" of it all may be relevant, there are other issues I want to mention.  Many people support the efforts of PP and agree that the services offered are necessary.  Others believe that Margaret Sanger, the founder of what was then the American Birth Control League and is now PP, founded the organization in support of eugenics, an effort to supposedly improve the genetic make up of certain people by using certain practices, such as abortion, sterilization and birth control. It's even been said that the goal was to outright wipe out certain groups of people.  While that's certainly valuable information to know in terms of history, one has to ask if that's indeed the mission of PP today.  The other question is, should women who rely on breast exams and annuals and even birth control from PP be penalized because of whatever political pressure the Komen Foundation finds itself under?  Now, it's my understanding that PP will launch a breast health emergency fund to help ensure that their offices across the nation are able to continue the valuable services.  But, at almost $700,000 in grant money last year from Komen,  a dent in PP's budget for those services will certainly be felt.
Granted, the decision was made by Komen late last year, but the announcement was only made yesterday.  I'm guessing Komen knew there was going to be a split among its supporters.  I have run and volunteered at the Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure a time or two myself.  The use of the pink ribbon, as an international symbol of breast cancer awareness, is connected with the Komen foundation giving them out at its 1991 New York race.  Both organizations have a storied history and both offer what some would call invaluable services.  Do the efforts of one cancel out the efforts of the other?  Most would answer no, but there is a divide.  Some feel that the latest efforts by the Komen foundation take away from its mass appeal as an organization open to the diversity and differing opinions that make up this nation and world.  As a result, they essentially support PP.  Others feel that their pro-life rights are more important than any other rights and thus, support Komen for no longer backing PP, whatever the reasons.
I certainly appreciate the dialogue and the freedom to speak on the issue.  It's Black History Month, and as a part of this country's history, I wouldn't have been able to have opinions, let alone write them down.  So, take a side or don't take a side, but do take a stand for something that matters to you and will ultimately help someone else... and possibly make this world a better place.  I think that should be the ultimate goal.

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!