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Toledo Diocese Refuses to Fund Susan G. Komen Foundation

Bishop Leonard Blair of Toledo announced that priests, parochial school administrators, and parishes in the Catholic diocese may no longer hold fundraising events for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Bishop Blair expressed his concerns that although the breast cancer awareness group does not currently fund embryonic stem-cell research, it might in the future.

Bishop Blair stated in his letter, “at the present the Komen Foundation does not fund cancer research that employs embryonic stem cells. However, their policy does not exclude that possibility. They are open to embryonic stem cell research, and may very well fund such research in the future. They are also contributors to Planned Parenthood.”

Executive Director Mary Westphal of the Northwestern Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation stated that organization has never given money to Planned Parenthood and does not currently fund embryonic stem-cell research. She went on to say that she was “extremely disappointed” with Bishop Blair’s decision.

Sources:

Toledo Blade 7/14/11; National Partnership for Women and Families 7/14/11; Statement of the Office of the Bishop and Diocese of Toledo 7/5/11

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