Diocese of Rockford--Position statement on Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Recognizing that support of and participation in a charitable organization lends legitimacy to all positions and policies of that organization, the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Rockford does not support or encourage participation in activities that benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. To be sure, Susan G. Komen has made many positive contributions to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer; however, the organization allows affiliates to offer financial support to abortion providing facilities, denies studies showing the link between abortion and breast cancer, and endorses embryonic stem cell research, thus inhibiting a Catholic in good conscience from supporting this organization’s work, in any way.
For additional information please contact the Respect Life Office at 815-399-4300 or go to www.rockforddiocese.org/respectlife
Documented facts regarding Susan G. Komen:
1) Public records indicate Susan G. Komen for the Cure (“Komen”) affiliates (Illinois affiliates not among them) provided grants to local Planned Parenthood chapters for breast health care services as recently as 2009.1
Though Komen’s grants were for breast health care services, Planned Parenthood (the largest single abortion provider in the country) stated in its 2007-2008 annual report that 31,729 fewer breast exams and 15,560 more abortions were provided in 2007 than in 2006.2
Donors cannot control how an organization designates funds. Therefore, money donated for a specific service, i.e. breast health care, directly frees up funds to support other areas of an organization’s agenda, i.e. contraception services, “safe” sex education and abortion services.
2) The Komen website dismisses the link between procured abortion and increased risk of breast cancer.3 However, multiple studies invalidate a dismissal of the link. Recent studies include those of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center4, Joel Brind, Ph.D., a professor of Endocrinology and founder of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute5, and the work of Dr. Janet Daling, a leading cancer epidemiologist. Daling, a pro-choice advocate, said, “I would have loved to have found no association between breast cancer and abortion, but our research is rock solid, and our data is accurate. It’s not a matter of believing, it’s a matter of what is.”6
3) Komen endorses embryonic stem cell research, which requires the destruction of embryonic human life, stating that, “embryonic stem cells are currently considered to have the most potential for use in the regeneration of diseased or injured tissues” for cancer stem cell research.7 The destruction of human life at any stage of development is never morally acceptable. Embryonic stem cell research is also unnecessary since adult stem cell research has a proven record of cures and treatments.
Based on these documented facts, the Respect Life Office does not endorse Susan G. Komen for the Cure. We encourage you to contact Susan G. Komen for the Cure (5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250 ▪ Dallas, TX 75244) and call for an end to all associations between Komen affiliates and Planned Parenthood, for support of further studies on the link between breast cancer and abortion, and for an end to the endorsement of research that leads to the destruction of any human life. Our hope is that the Komen Foundation will focus all funds on research to find causes and cures for breast cancer and refuse to give financial or other support to any abortion provider or organization that promotes the destruction of human life.
The patients and families who are victims of breast cancer are in our prayers, and we encourage all to continue supporting all those who are suffering or in spiritual, physical or financial need.
1 Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Research and Grants. Retrieved June 3, 2010 from http://ww5.komen.org/GrantDescription.aspx?CID=29029, and
http://ww5.komen.org/FindAGrantResults.aspx?location=&keywords=planned.
2 Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (2007). 2007-2008 Annual Report (677 KB PDF file). Retrieved June 3, 2010. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/AR08_vFinal.pdf
3 Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Understanding Breast Cancer, See "Factors Not Related to Breast Cancer." Retrieved June 3, 2010 from http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/researchtabletopics.html#riskfactors
4 Dolle, Jessica et al. “Risk Factors for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Women Under the Age of 45 Years.” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers, April 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2010 from http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/18/4/1157.full.pdf+html
5 Breast Cancer Prevention Institute. Online Brochure. Retrieved June 4, 2010 from http://www.bcpinstitute.org/brochure.htm
6 Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer. "The Cover Up." Retrieved June 3, 2010 from http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/coverup3.htm
7 “Cancer Stem Cell Research Shows Promise (855.41 Kb file).” Frontline: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Newsletter. (Fall 2006). Retrieved 29 March 2007 from website.
http://ww5.komen.org/KomenNewsArticle.aspx?id=7700&terms=stem+cell
Alternatives
As of this date, we believe the following organizations support morally licit breast cancer research and prevention, however, as with all charitable contributions, we encourage you to obtain the most current information possible before offering your support.
The Breast Cancer Prevention Institute
30 Rehill Avenue, Suite 3400
Somerville, NJ 08876 USA
Coalition on Abortion / Breast Cancer
P.O. Box 957133
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195-3051
