Susan G. Komen for the Cure controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2012
Planned Parenthood funding controversy
Komen announced that it would stop funding breast exams and mammogram referrals connected with Planned Parenthood, citing a policy involving organizations under investigation. The decision was widely criticized, prompted major public reaction and staff departures, and was reversed four days later after Komen amended the policy.
2012
Executive compensation scrutiny
Public attention followed reporting on Nancy Brinker’s compensation in the organization’s IRS filings. Komen said the increase reflected a prior salary change and subsequently appointed Judith A. Salerno as CEO.
2011
Embryonic stem-cell research questions
Anti-abortion groups questioned whether Komen grants indirectly supported embryonic stem-cell research. Komen stated that it did not directly fund embryonic stem-cell derivation or projects specifically focused on that work.
2010
Pinkwashing criticism
Critics argued that some corporate partnerships used breast cancer imagery to market products whose health implications were questionable or whose donations were limited by conditions or caps. Komen defended partnerships as ways to reach underserved communities and generate funds.
2010
Trademark enforcement criticism
Komen faced criticism for challenging charities and events that used “for the cure,” pink branding, or similar language. The organization said enforcement protected donors from confusion and preserved the value of its trademarks.