A major U.S. breast cancer foundation Friday reversed its decision to stop funding Planned Parenthood after outcry over the move sparked a political and fundraising backlash by women's health advocates.

 

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation issued a statement saying it was sorry and would continue to give money to help underwrite breast screening at Planned Parenthood clinics, which amounted to $680,000 last year.

 

The public split revived tensions over abortion and Planned Parenthood, the biggest abortion provider in the United States, alleged that "anti-choice groups" had been leaning hard on Komen to cease funding, a charge the breast cancer group denied.

 

"We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women's lives," said the statement by president Nancy Brinker and the Susan G. Komen board of directors.

 

"We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants," it said.

 

The Komen foundation had said it would cease funding because Planned Parenthood was under investigation, and new rules agreed by the Komen leadership had meant that it would stop issuing grants to groups in such cases.

 

The probe was by a conservative Republican lawmaker from Florida, Cliff Stearns, who launched an inquiry into Planned Parenthood over how it handled federal funds and whether such money was used for abortions, which would be illegal.

 

The move by Komen to stop funding, announced earlier this week, sparked a major cash-raising campaign among pro-choice advocates, who funneled more than $650,000 to Planned Parenthood in a matter of days.

 

Supporters of Planned Parenthood blasted the Komen group in the media and petitions against the move spread quickly through social media. Planned Parenthood devoted its web homepage to the matter and appealed for donations.

 

After the reversal was announced, Planned Parenthood, said it was grateful for the decision and thankful for the outpouring of support.

 

"We are enormously grateful that the Komen Foundation has clarified its grantmaking criteria, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Komen partners, leaders and volunteers," said a statement by Planned Parenthood chief Cecile Richards.

 

"What these past few days have demonstrated is the deep resolve all Americans share in the fight against cancer, and we honor those who are at the helm of this battle."

 

Planned Parenthood said that Komen grants over the past five years had helped it provide nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams particularly to low-income and minority women in need.

 

At hundreds of clinics across the United States, Planned Parenthood provides a host of health services including birth control, STD tests, breast exams and abortions — which make up three percent of its services.

 

"In recent weeks, the treasured relationship between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and Planned Parenthood has been challenged, and we are now heartened that we can continue to work in partnership toward our shared commitment to breast health for the most underserved women," Richards added.

 

Copyright 2012  AFP Global Edition