For at least a decade, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the
world's leading breast cancer organization, had been dealing with the backlash
from pro-life conservatives because of its grants to Planned Parenthood, the
world's largest abortion provider. According to Karen Handel, Komen's senior
vice president of public policy in 2011, the two organizations had mutually
agreed to part ways amicably. But then Planned Parenthood surprisingly
unleashed a media attack against Komen, waving the banner of women's health as
a shield for its underlying political agenda. Public criticism against Komen
intensified with damaging consequences, eventually concluding in Komen's
surrender and Karen's resignation.
In daring to walk away, Komen had unwittingly ignited a
battle in which it became collateral damage in a larger election-year war
between liberals and conservatives for the souls (and votes!) of women and the
nation's conscience—with abortion and contraception linked as ultimate wedge
issues. What exactly went on inside this firestorm of controversy? Were there
larger forces at play? In this tell-all, highly charged account, Karen Handel
breaks the silence and finally reveals what really happened in the winter of
2011.
