I must admit, I've been preoccupied with Susan G. Komen's decision to drop funding to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening. At the time of my writing this, 3:06 pm Eastern Time on Feb. 3, 2012, they have reversed their decision. I give the exact time, because only they know if they'll reverse their decision again before I post this. What really upset me the most about this was that we, women in general, were being stabbed in the front by women, who we thought were concerned for our health! I'm use to having to fight the good old Southern boys on issues. I don't expect to ever change the mind of a Southern Baptist man south of the Mason Dixon Line. But, I never expected to get hit head on by a women's health organization. True, Susan G. Komen is headquartered in Dallas, which is conservative. But Cecile Richards, the current president of planned Parenthood and the daughter of the late Governor of Texas Anne Richards, is also from Texas.
And their excuse, "Planned Parenthood was under investigation." PLEASE, Planned Parenthood has been under investigation since the day Margaret Sanger opened the first Planned Parenthood clinic in Brooklyn. As soon as she opened the doors, she was arrested, and sentenced to 30 days. It was illegal to even discuss birth control, let alone distribute it. The year was 1916. And here we are, 96 years later, and women's health issues are still a hot topic. It is infuriating. If you want to read the whole story, the New Yorker had a wonderful essay called Birthright, from their November 14, 2011 issue. http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/11/14/111114fa_fact_lepore
I want to commend all the people who stood up for Planned Parenthood and against the decision made by Susan G. Komen. Facebook was just flooded. My running groups were buzzing with how people were dropping out of the races. And my favorite, Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, personally donating $250,000 to Planned Parenthood. I really do respect that man, and do so now more than ever. It was impressive to be a part of people standing up for what is right. It was even more impressive that Susan G. Komen listened.
I read that one in five American women have used Planned Parenthood at some point in their lifetime. I am one of the one in five. Planned Parenthood was there for me when no one else was. I couldn't ask for help from my family, and was just plain too embarrassed to talk to friends. Planned Parenthood was wonderful. I feel as if they saved my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for Planned Parenthood being there for me back then. I started making monthly donations to them when I got older, and started making money. As of this last incident, my husband and I have decided to increase our donation amount. Unfortunately, I think there will always be "another attack" on women's health issues waiting in the wings. I want to make sure the Planned Parenthood is well armed to fight, while still providing women's health services.
And please remember, my friends, breast cancer screening saved my mother's life, and a number of my girlfriends' lives ... not a pink ribbon.
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