Karen Handel's resignation

We can all agree that this is a challenging and deeply unsettling situation for all involved in the fight against breast cancer. However, Komen’s decision to change its granting strategy and exit the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood and its grants was fully vetted by every appropriate level within the organization.

The board specifically discussed various issues, including the need to protect our mission by ensuring we were not distracted or negatively affected by any other organization’s real or perceived challenges. No objections were made to moving forward.

I am deeply disappointed by the gross mischaracterizations of the strategy, its rationale, and my involvement in it. I openly acknowledge my role in the matter and continue to believe our decision was the best one for Komen’s future and the women we serve. However, the decision to update our granting model was made before I joined Komen, and the controversy related to Planned Parenthood has long been a concern to the organization. Neither the decision nor the changes were based on anyone’s political beliefs or ideology.

Both were based on Komen’s mission and how to better serve women, as well as a realization of the need to distance Komen from controversy.

What was a thoughtful and thoroughly reviewed decision ... has unfortunately been turned into something about politics. This is entirely untrue. This development should sadden us all greatly. Just as Komen’s best interests and the fight against breast cancer have always been foremost in every aspect of my work, so too are these my priorities in coming to the decision to resign effective immediately. It is my most sincere hope that Komen is allowed to now refocus its attention and energies on its mission.