Ms. Foundation for Women Outraged that Komen Ends Funding of Breast Cancer Services at Planned Parenthood

Matching Donation Campaign Launched in Support of Planned Parenthood's Critical Care

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ms. Foundation for Women today expressed outrage at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation's decision to discontinue funding that has provided nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams to low-income women at Planned Parenthood health centers.

Media reports allege that the policy change was politically motivated and intended to specifically disqualify Planned Parenthood from funding opportunities.

"As allies with Planned Parenthood in our fight for women's equality, the Ms. Foundation for Women is infuriated that the Komen Foundation would put politics above women's lives," said Ms. Foundation President and CEO Anika Rahman. "We stand with Planned Parenthood in opposing efforts by political extremists to deny women lifesaving health care services."

In response to the Komen Foundation's decision, the Ms. Foundation for Women launched a donation campaign to match funds, up to $20,000. For every dollar designated to the "Ms. Foundation Stands With Planned Parenthood" campaign, the Ms. Foundation will provide a matching donation to Planned Parenthood's Breast Health Emergency Fund, which will enable Planned Parenthood health centers to continue providing breast health education, screenings and referrals for mammograms.

Since the Ms. Foundation's inception, it has worked to uphold the fundamental human right to quality reproductive health, education and services. With the Ms. Foundation's support, grantees – including some Planned Parenthood affiliates – are advancing equitable solutions that eliminate the barriers to reproductive justice that women face.

To make a donation, visit http://msffw.convio.net/site/Donation2?df_id=1820&1820.donation=form1.

About the Ms. Foundation for Women
The Ms. Foundation for Women is the leading national social justice foundation committed to building women's power to ignite change. Every day, it helps over 150 grassroots organizations across the U.S. fight for changes like good paying jobs, reproductive health, ending violence against women and girls, and the inclusion of women at decision-making tables. By investing in social justice trailblazers—especially women from low-income communities and communities of color most affected by injustice—it works for a nation in which power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, or any other factor. The Ms. Foundation delivers funding, builds skills, develops leaders, connects activists with allies, and amplifies the voices of our grantees to create change that benefits women, families and communities. ms.foundation.org

SOURCE Ms. Foundation for Women