Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation
February 7, 2012
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is a highly reputable organization that has contributed in saving thousands of lives in its fight against breast cancer. Since its creation in 1982, it has invested approximately $2 billion for breast cancer research, education and screening. Charity Navigator has given the Foundation its highest rating of 4 stars for accountability and transparency.
The Foundation came under public fire last week when it was revealed that the Foundation had made the decision, back in October 2011, that it would no longer give grants to the Planned Parenthood organization. Planned Parenthood used the Komen Foundation funding to provide breast cancer screening and education to thousands of women with low income. However, Planned Parenthood also provides referral services to women who decide to have an abortion. According to the New York Times, the decision to stop funding Planned Parenthood came because of strong pressure from Pro-Life groups including threats to disrupt the “Races for the Cure” events, although the funds granted to Planned Parenthood by the Komen Foundation were for breast cancer screening and not for abortion referrals.
Faced with public outrage, the Foundation reversed its decision not to support Planned Parenthood in the future. Mr. Raffaelli, a member of the Board of the Komen Foundation said: “then with our decision (in October) we upset the pro-choice crowd. And now we are going to make the right-to-life crowd made all over again. How do we stop that?”
Finding the right answer to this question is going to be difficult because of the highly emotionally charged, political and divisive issue of abortion.
Jack Marshall, president of Pro-Ethics Ltd asks the pertinent question, in his Ethics Alarm blog post:
“How dare anyone condemn a charitable organization for pursuing its mission as it sees fit and is statutorily authorized to do, as long as it is not abusing its charter?”
We should first remember that receiving a grant is a privilege, not an entitlement.
Secondly, I believe that the Komen Foundation should have been left alone to support (or not) any organization they wish as long as it is in line with its mission to save lives.
We should all, whether at the corporate or at the individual level, have the courage of our convictions, whatever they are. There can be no compromise possible when dealing with our core fundamental values and we should do the best we can to resist pressure that would have us alter our conduct.
As Nicolas Chamfort, the 18th Century French author and revolutionary once wrote:
“Conviction is the conscience of the mind.”
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