Support is welcome amid flap

I am still reeling, in a positive way, from the outpouring of support we received last week over the Susan B. Komen Foundation’s decision to break off its relationship with Planned Parenthood.

But I am dismayed that this incident happened and relieved that the decision was reversed. The challenges are so great in women’s health, especially in the South. Add to that the disparity of access to general health care, screenings and prevention for poor women, and there are more unmet needs than any of us can handle alone.

While we have never received Komen funds in Georgia to support our programs, we have been general supporters. Planned Parenthood staff, board and volunteers have walked in some of the 5K events.

We have always felt welcomed and appreciated as a valued colleague organization in the breast-cancer fight. Most of our board and staff have had firsthand experience with breast cancer in their families, friends and themselves.

The walks symbolize a number of things — an opportunity to be counted, to heal, to feel strong, to honor survivors and those lost, and to raise money for the cure. Complex, high emotions are involved in participation and dedication to making a difference.

Planned Parenthood is on the front lines providing bi-manual breast exams for the women we serve, generally ages 18 to 30. This is the standard of care for this age group.

Teaching clients how to do their own breast exams is part of our routine care. We have referral services when a problem is identified. Most of our affiliates (or locations) do not provide mammograms, though some do.

Last week, we all learned how important the lifesaving services provided by Planned Parenthood are to women and men across this country. Breast cancer does not discriminate. Driving a wedge between organizations working together on screening and treatment is an incredible disservice to those affected by the disease.

Planned Parenthood remains dedicated to increasing access to preventive health care for women, men and teens in all of our communities.

As we struggle in Georgia with a stagnant economy and face budget cuts, often the first things to go are preventive services, largely for low-income women and children. We must keep looking forward, eye on the prize, and work to minimize distractions.

I hope that those who rose to our defense will follow through and help us advocate for affordable, expanded women’s health and family planning services for women most in need.

I want to thank everyone who spoke up, stood up, tweeted, texted or called-up support for Planned Parenthood. We felt the comforting warmth of your encouragement.