2/9/12: Komen Official Quits Over Decision to Re-fund Planned Parenthood

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A high-ranking official resigned this week from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer charity. Karen Handel, the charity’s vice president for public policy, quit in disagreement over the charity’s decision to once again support Planned Parenthood.

Handel said the discussion started before she arrived at the organization and was approved at the highest levels of the charity.

In a letter to Komen, she wrote, “I am deeply disappointed by the gross mischaracterizations of the strategy, its rationale, and my involvement in it,” I openly acknowledge my role in the matter and continue to believe our decision was the best one for Komen’s future and the women we serve.”

Handel, a Republican, ran for Georgia governor in 2010 losing in a primary runoff.