WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Last week the Susan G. Komen Foundation barred Planned Parenthood from future grants because of a probe spurred by anti-abortion groups.
That decision was reversed just days later after a huge public backlash.
One of the myths about Planned Parenthood is that it only provides counseling to women seeking abortions, but that's only a small part of what they do.
For many women, breast cancer screening means a mammogram, but for the millions of uninsured or underinsured women who visit Planned Parenthood, it's a physical exam by the only health professional they may ever see.
Suzanne Wertman sees dozens of women each week, many of them for breast exams. She says the notion that Planned Parenthood deals strictly with abortions cannot be further from the truth.
"97 percent of what we do is preventative care for women," explained Wertman. "So that may be in the form of counseling for birth control, breast exams, pelvic exams, for just their general healthcare."
Clinical breast exams are controversial and government advisers don't endorse them, but they can help spot cancer.
Wertman said that's why the Komen Foundation's decision to stop funding was shocking.
"I was really astounded at the power of the internet and how women's voices were heard," said Wertman.
Supporters of Planned Parenthood came out in droves over the internet and in person following the controversial Komen decision.
Planned Parenthood nationwide received over $3 million in donations last week, which is more than the amount provided yearly by the Komen foundation.
Wertman said she's just glad the decision was reversed and they can get back to business.
Each month, WECT reminds women to do their self breast exam. Click here if you would like a Pink Pack that shows you how to do the exam. You can also email Frances Weller at fweller@wect.com.
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