It's a Good Day for Women

I have to share my two cents, because I am ultimately (if not 100%) proud of what was accomplished today, but not for the reasons I would normally jump on the bandwagon for.

What was accomplished, was an influential movement of men and women who stood their ground and donated millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood over the last 72 hours in order to back their opinions on something so ultimately controversial.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been instrumental in bringing women together to join forces on what is the second leading death-causing form of cancer.  And although breast cancer doesn't only affect women, it has shown to be a strong pull in terms of providing an outlet for women's rights in society.  Bringing together so many women who are hopeless and providing them with medical help and an emotional support system has been the goal of this group for more than 10 years.

This week, Komen made the decision to end any and all funding previously given to Planned Parenthood, on grounds of "attempting to avoid funding any organization under investigation by the government".  And yet, they said it was not based on anything political.  Are you kidding me?

Here's the problem: Komen has been providing these funds to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening examinations; funding the prevention of breast cancer for hundreds, if not thousands of women.  Giving directly to Planned Parenthood for these exams was THE point.  Yet Komen is trying to skirt out of this by saying Planned Parenthood is using that money for abortions.  Komen, for being one of the world's most known entities in cancer prevention groups, you are really dumb. 

Since the start of Komen's "whoops" moment, supporters have donated over $3 million to Planned Parenthood.  OVER $3 MILLION.  Can you imagine what that would do for breast cancer research? Or medical treatment supplies?

Overall, I am more than happy with the amount of people whipping out their wallets to prove that the need for these breast cancer screenings is essential. Planned Parenthood has provided a statement saying they will use this money 100% for breast cancer screenings, which I think is great and a well thought-out plan on their part.  Sorry Komen, I've picked my side and you aren't going to like it.

Maybe Komen could redeem itself and come back swinging.  Maybe they could match all that was donated to Planned Parenthood to be given to the research.  Or to the medical supplies for treatment.  Or for the counseling for family members.

This should be a time when the necessity of breast cancer awareness is shown at full force, not some political garble Americans are forced to "deal" with.

Anyway, I'm happy Komen will be continuing to fund breast cancer screenings for Planned Parenthood, but more happy that people were so up in arms about the situation.  If only we could get people to do this for the debt crisis...