Komen vs. Planned Parenthood

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A decision by a national organization pulls funding away from some preventative health care across the US.

An announcement by the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation sent shock-waves through women's health supporters.

"We're disappointed in their decision because we've always had good ties with Komen," Kathi Gemmaka from Planned Parenthood of the Wabash Valley said.

The Komen Foundation cites a number of reasons to pull their funding from Planned Parenthood, including an investigation into how the organization spends taxpayer dollars.

Planned Parenthood sees it differently, saying the decision comes down to their own stance on abortion.

"Unfortunately I think this was a political decision and there are groups that have an extreme agenda that have been bullying the Susan G Komen Foundation to end their relationship with Planned Parenthood,” Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood explained.

Planned Parenthood does provide abortion services, as well as preventative health screenings and maintenance to both men and women.

None of the $700,000 donated by the Komen Foundation last year went to local Planned Parenthoods, but the decision is still disappointing.

"It doesn't directly affect Planned Parenthood of Indiana,” Gemmaka said. “We don't have any fiscal ties with Komen. But it does affect Planned Parenthood across the nation."

It's the names that are called into question. Two well known women's health organizations at odds.

"They will continue to do good things for people I'm sure. They always have,” Gemmaka said. “Planned Parenthood will do the same.”

Some executives at the Komen Foundation say they'll step down in protest of the decision.

It’s a battle of funding and support that may hurt healthcare in the end.