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Politics and Women's Health

Story Published: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:09 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 7:25 PM EDT

Earlier this week, it was a victory for the anti-abortion movement and a setback for Planned Parenthood.

"It was surprising and a pleasant surprise," said Beti Ann Honan of Liferight of Watertown.

"We were really disappointed to hear of Komen's decision," said Martha Stahl, vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood of the North Country.

The Komen foundation, which has pumped nearly $2 billion into fighting breast cancer, announced it was cutting off grants to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screenings.

Friday, after several days of strong criticism, Komen apologized and said the grants will continue.

The cutoff in funding could have had a direct effect on Planned Parenthood of the North Country."

It's applying for a Komen grant for an educational campaign in Franklin and Clinton counties.

"Of course we don't know that we'll get funded, but at least if we're not funded, it'll be on the merits of our application, not because we're Planned Parenthood," said Stahl.

Liferight of Watertown finds little comfort in the fact that Komen grants are directed at breast cancer.

"You can give them money for mammograms and that just releases other money, that's not designated, to promote abortion," said Bette Hartzell of Liferight of Watertown. 

The controversy may leave Planned Parenthood better off than it was before.

The national group reports a $3 million bump in donations this week.
Friday, May 24, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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