NEW YORK (AP) - After three days of controversy, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer charity says it is reversing its decision to cut breast-screening grants to Planned Parenthood.
"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," a Komen statement said.
As first reported by The Associated Press on Tuesday, Komen had adopted criteria excluding Planned Parenthood from grants because it was under government investigation, notably a probe launched in Congress at the urging of anti-abortion groups.
Komen said Friday it would change the criteria so it wouldn't apply to such investigations.
"We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants," the statement said.
Statement from the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure on the reversal:
"The Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure made a statement on Wednesday of this week asking our National organization to reverse its decision to stop grant funding for any organization that is under governmental investigation, including Planned Parenthood. At that time, we said, and we maintain today, decisions of this nature should be made only after the investigation is complete.
"Our National organization agreed with us and stated that in a release this morning, "We will amend the criteria (for grants funded by the organization) to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political." We are feeling a sense of relief that this controversy may finally be concluding and the Arkansas affiliate can again turn our attention to our most important mission - providing breast health to the women of our state.
"In our statement we asked that both sides of this issue look at our body of good works. Komen is a bipartisan organization and wishes to remain so. We do not support any particular organization. We have many partners in this quest for a cure and to save lives through education, research, screening, and treatment.
"During this week, the Arkansas affiliate has heard and has listened to your comments about this issue. We will continue to listen to our community of volunteers, donors and supporters regarding any issues. However, while we have these discussions, we will make certain to put the breast health of the women of Arkansas first.
"We thank you for your support and we ask that you continue to help us fight for a cure for this dreaded disease. We value you and we thank you for entrusting us to use the resources you give us to provide breast care for people of Arkansas and to help fund research, which will someday contribute to finding a cure."
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)