Komen Tries To Repair Damage After Severing Ties With Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) -  After three days of controversy, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer charity tries to repair the damage after deciding to halt 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.

"I think they realized they were losing money, they were losing support.  It was harm they brought upon themselves," said Rep. James Moran (D) Virginia who spoke against Komen's decision.   Twenty-six U.S. Senators signed a letter calling on Komen to reconsider its decision.    

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.

"My hope is that this treasured relationship can remain intact," said Laura Meyers, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington.   

 The congressional probe is apparently  looking into whether Planned Parenthood spends any federal money.   Meyers says that's a issue solved long ago and that it just doesn't happen.  

Komen's grants to Planned Parenthood organizations  totaled $680,000 last year.  That covered about 170,000 breast exams. 

"The money from Komen is all about breast cancer screening and saving women's lives," said Meyers.   She's hoping Komen will approve future grants to Planned Parenthood, but there's no guarantee.

"The jury's still out on funding," said Jeanne Monahan of the Family Research Council which had pushed for that Congressional probe into Planned Parenthood.    Monahan is hoping Komen does not approve any more grants to Planned Parenthood.  She says Komen should give it's money to organizations that conduct mammograms, not just breast exams.   

Meyers says Planned Parenthood patients need to be seen first by a doctor before they being referred for a mammogram.