Planned Parenthood and the Susan G. Komen Foundation: What's the Big Deal?

Last week we saw a large scuffle in the news regarding Planned Parenthood and the Komen Foundation over a grant. But what was really going on?

From a Christian point of view, one would hope that the threatened end to the grant was over the moral issue of abortion. Abortion is the major money-maker for Planned Parenthood. Supporters of PP point out that there are many other services, which aid many impoverished, unemployed, and under-employed women. That is not the point of debate here. The sad statistic is, that about 11% of the women served by PP are there getting abortions.

Eleven percent. Sad. But is that so awful? I mean, it’s only 11%. That is what the world is saying.

Eleven percent of the women served by Planned Parenthood each year, however, is somewhere above 300,000. That is right, 300,000 babies destroyed each year in the name of “birth control” and “helping women.” (If you estimate the average of 50/50 male/female population, that means PP is helping women, by killing about 150,000 women each year, before they are even born.)

In the end, while some shy away and pretend this is a political issue, the Lord of Life sees things differently. He says, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14 ESV.) Christ welcomes little ones, and knows them, making them their own individual selves from the moment of conception.

Sadly, the SGK Foundation gave in to pressure from Planned Parenthood and their media allies. It turns out that the motivation was not so much the moral issue, but a policy that said grants should go to groups that actually provided services. (PP simply makes referrals for mammograms, they do not actually perform them.) So SGK apologized and is trying to make up with PP.

Of course, the irony of the connection between abortion and the onset of breast cancer has been completely ignored in the media coverage I have seen. While disputed for a while, this connection is once again supported. Women having had abortions, especially in their younger years, are more likely to develop breast cancer. Why on earth would the Susan G. Komen Foundation support an organization that commits actions that conflict with SGK’s mission?

Pray for all involved. Pray for honesty in the reporting of these events. Pray for health and healing for those suffering from breast cancer. Pray for those who are tempted and hurting, considering abortion. Pray for those who deal with the guilt of having committed this sin, that they may repent and receive the loving forgiveness of Jesus! Pray for Christ to work through His Gospel to give forgiveness and healing to all, and open the hearts of all to humbly receive Him.