In what is being called one of the worst public relations blunders in recent memory, Susan G. Komen for the Cure–the largest and most widely funded breast cancer organization in the United States–is reeling this week after a well-publicized (and short-lived) split with Planned Parenthood. Many believe Komen gave into political pressure from anti-abortion advocates who criticize Planned Parenthood for performing abortions and offer counseling on abortion procedures.
Condemnation of Komen’s decision came from all corners. People protested on their personal Facebook pages and through Twitter, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg even pledged a $250,000 grant to Planned Parenthood and encouraged others to support the organization.
But while Komen’s move to cut funding was shocking, was it really all that surprising? In a program titled “Power & Sex: America’s War on Sexual Rights” on FORA.tv, several well-known women’s and gay rights activists say a story like this is just another chapter in a war by conservatives to dominate the national conversation on social issues.
Power & Sex: America’s War on Sexual Rights from The Graduate Center, CUNY on FORA.tv
