The decision by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to change their grant giving policy angered me. When they reversed their decision I was pleased however, the damage has been done to my spirit and I don't think I can get over the hurt and confusion they've caused. My blind trust that Susan G. Komen for the Cure wasn't political, that it cared for the health of all women, has been destroyed.
I support Planned Parenthood. I'm not being political, I'm being a woman who, when unable to afford health insurance, went to Planned Parenthood for my health care. They were my kind doctors that helped me get well. I'm not ashamed.
When I first heard about Komen's decision I was confused. I understand not giving grants to organizations that have a Federal investigation placed on them however, Penn State also has a Federal investigation pending yet they weren't on the chopping block for their money.
I thought if I were to continue supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure; walking annually in Race For The Cure with my sister, my mother, my daughters; wearing pink ribbons and donating when I can, then the person who agreed to this policy needs to go. So yesterday's announcement that V.P. Karen Handel resigned should have been enough for me, right? Well, not when I heard about her background.
Karen Handel ran for Governor of Georgia in 2010. And part of her campaign was advocating the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Oh really? One of the largest women's health organizations hire's someone who has a background of wanting to end funding for a women's health center? What?!? What ever your personal beliefs are, I get down to the black and white of it, not funding a women's health center means not supporting women. That's it. Supporting women's health with "conditions" is not cool.
My daughters see all the news about Susan G. Komen and naturally start thinking of the next walk. "So, when do we sign up?", they ask. I can't give them an answer right now. I'm not clear on my feelings. My girls and I talk about what's going on and my 14 year old seems as confused as I am. We drop the decision about the walk.
As it stands for me, Susan G. Komen for the Cure knew Karen Handel's history when they hired her. They don't get to hide behind "the issue is over because she no longer works for us." They knew, they hired her, they made a decision that wasn't popular, they reversed it. I would love to know what conversations led to Karen Handel's resignation. Perhaps Ms. Handel feels she lost the 2010 election in Georgia because she didn't have the full backing of pro-life groups and, if she tries again, she'll get it now.
This whole situation is so flippin' messed up it hurts. Keep your politics away from my body! I am pro-woman. I am pro-health care, whatever your health care decisions may be. I support women.
I support Planned Parenthood. I'm not being political, I'm being a woman who, when unable to afford health insurance, went to Planned Parenthood for my health care. They were my kind doctors that helped me get well. I'm not ashamed.
When I first heard about Komen's decision I was confused. I understand not giving grants to organizations that have a Federal investigation placed on them however, Penn State also has a Federal investigation pending yet they weren't on the chopping block for their money.
I thought if I were to continue supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure; walking annually in Race For The Cure with my sister, my mother, my daughters; wearing pink ribbons and donating when I can, then the person who agreed to this policy needs to go. So yesterday's announcement that V.P. Karen Handel resigned should have been enough for me, right? Well, not when I heard about her background.
Karen Handel ran for Governor of Georgia in 2010. And part of her campaign was advocating the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Oh really? One of the largest women's health organizations hire's someone who has a background of wanting to end funding for a women's health center? What?!? What ever your personal beliefs are, I get down to the black and white of it, not funding a women's health center means not supporting women. That's it. Supporting women's health with "conditions" is not cool.
My daughters see all the news about Susan G. Komen and naturally start thinking of the next walk. "So, when do we sign up?", they ask. I can't give them an answer right now. I'm not clear on my feelings. My girls and I talk about what's going on and my 14 year old seems as confused as I am. We drop the decision about the walk.
As it stands for me, Susan G. Komen for the Cure knew Karen Handel's history when they hired her. They don't get to hide behind "the issue is over because she no longer works for us." They knew, they hired her, they made a decision that wasn't popular, they reversed it. I would love to know what conversations led to Karen Handel's resignation. Perhaps Ms. Handel feels she lost the 2010 election in Georgia because she didn't have the full backing of pro-life groups and, if she tries again, she'll get it now.
This whole situation is so flippin' messed up it hurts. Keep your politics away from my body! I am pro-woman. I am pro-health care, whatever your health care decisions may be. I support women.