Mammogram program in jeopardy

(WTNH) - The Susan G. Komen Foundation, which advocates for breast cancer treatment and research, announced that it is cutting most of its ties to Planned Parenthood.

The very sudden loss of funding means that Planned Parenthood in Connecticut is going to have to find another way to come up with money to pay for mammograms for women who otherwise couldn't afford it.

The Susan G Komen Foundation is nationally one of the biggest, best funded breast cancer organizations in the country. Its annual road race in Connecticut raises hundreds of thousands of dollars, some of which is given to the local branches of Planned Parenthood to help pay for mammograms for low income women or those without insurance. But that is no longer the case.

"We were deeply disappointed and saddened," said Judy Tabar, the President of Planned  Parenthood of Southern New England.

The national Komen board decided to stop funding Planned Parenthood citing a new policy barring support for organizations under government investigation.

A Congressional subcommittee is looking into its compliance with federal restrictions on funding abortions.

"It's just unfortunate that politics would get in the way of women's health and women are the victims in a decision like this," Tabar said.

Komen Connecticut said it is frustrated by the national board decision to cease funding, but hopes it won't hurt local fundraising.

"If people walk away from supporting Komen Connecticut, the million dollars in grants we gave this year to local organizations, including Planned Parenthood, to help carry out our mission is dwindled and that funding is decreased," said Ann Hogan, the President of Komen Connecticut.

Planned Parenthood vows to continue to keep the mammogram program going in Connecticut.

"We are turning to our supporters to raise additional dollars to fill that gap," said Tabar.

There is still some money in the bank to pay for the mammograms, but it runs out in June.