After a blinding backlash this week against the Susan G. Komen Foundation for pulling its funding for cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood, the most recognizable name in the fight against breast cancer gave in to public pressure Friday.
Komen apologized for "recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives," and said, "we will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants."
Some say the damage to Komen and its brand may be irreparable. But public relations expert Gary Bitner says an apology from such a well-known and beloved organization goes a long way.
“The most important thing is that if there’s bad news to come out, you want to get it out because you want to get it behind you to move past it and recover, and have things go back to normal as soon as possible,” said Bitner, of the South Florida public relations firm Bitner Goodman.
Planned Parenthood is best known for its role in providing abortions. But it also provides many other services to women at health centers in South Florida and across the country, including reproductive healthcare, sex education, and cancer screenings.
The organization says it is relieved Komen clarified its earlier decision – and looks forward to moving ahead with both their commitments.
“We share one goal in common and that goal is advancing women’s health, saving women’s lives,” said Lillian Tamayo of Planned Parenthood of South Florida. “So we are pleased to be able to rejoin with Komen shoulder to shoulder, not only across the country but here locally where the need is so great.”
