Posted on 11/03/2006 8:08:03 PM PST by Coleus
The Phoenix diocesan newspaper, with endorsement from the bishop, is urging area Catholics to petition for an end to abortion clinic funding by the local branch of one of the largest breast cancer foundations in the country. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation donated $25,000 to Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona, after the fundraiser Race for the Cure raised $1.8 million last month. The money was designated for programs providing “breast health education and early cancer detection in Coconino, Gila, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.” The diocesan newspaper the Catholic Sun, in an editorial yesterday, objected to the grant for indirectly contributing to the work of the country’s leading abortion industry.
“Some will argue that grant is earmarked for areas other than abortion or contraception, so the affiliation between the organizations is inconsequential. But the sad reality is that the grant money now frees up Planned Parenthood funds for these other areas opposing life and counter to our Catholic faith.” The Sun pointed out that scientific research links abortion to the later development of breast cancer, making it “tragically ironic” that a foundation dedicated to fighting the disease would support the nation’s largest abortion provider. “[B]y giving money to Planned Parenthood, Komen is in essence shooting itself in the foot--then trying to race with only one good foot to raise additional funds to stop the bleeding,” the editorial states. “But the blood, both literally and figuratively, won’t stop until the grants to Planned Parenthood end.”
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted approved the editorial, the Arizona Republic reported earlier today. One of the country’s strongest bishops on pro-life issues, Bishop Olmstead has encouraged Catholics to exercise responsibility on civic duties in keeping with the directives of the Catholic faith. He recently authored a booklet, titled ‘Catholics in the Public Square,’ which offers guidelines on the Church’s teaching on civil responsibility related to public policies, political issues and voting. The diocesan editorial called on Catholics to contact the Komen foundation and urge organizers to stop supporting Planned Parenthood.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation,
2040 W. Bethany Home Rd.,
Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Call: (602) 544-2873
Fax: (602) 544-3366
E-mail: mdokes@komenphx.org
See Catholic Sun editorial:
http://www.catholicsun.org/editorial.html
See related LifeSiteNews coverage:
New Phoenix Bishop Shows Impressive Leadership - Dares to Directly Address Homosexuality
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/may/04050603.html
Phoenix, AZ Bishop Tells Pro-Abortion Politicians They May Not Receive Communion
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/oct/06102407.html
I can just see it now--the local media will be up in arms over this.
As will Butch and her minions.
So if you’re like a great many of the pro-life Catholics who stand, walk and run for life but were unaware of the connection between Komen and Planned Parenthood, we urge you in joining with us in calling upon the Phoenix Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to immediately end its support of Planned Parenthood.
Write to: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2040 W. Bethany Home Rd., Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Call: (602) 544-2873
Fax: (602) 544-3366
E-mail: mdokes@komenphx.org
I thought most people knew of the connection but I guess not. Willfully ignorant, I suppose.
I had no idea. Just ran the race last weekend with my 3 daughters.
If anything, Planned Parenthood has contributed to the spread of breast cancer among women who have had abortions. So it's doubly ironic.
they give money to planned parenthood and do not ever mention the abortion and breast cancer link in their education programs.
Didn't know of the connection. Thanks.
People just don't know.
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