The nation’s largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the US., Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will cutoff grants made to Planned Parenthood that were mostly used for breast exams.

The Associated Press broke the news Tuesday. More details below:

Planned Parenthood says the move results from Komen bowing to pressure from anti-abortion activists. Komen says the key reason is that Planned Parenthood is under investigation in Congress — a probe launched by a conservative Republican who was urged to act by anti-abortion groups.

The rupture, which has not been publicly announced as it unfolded, is wrenching for some of those who’ve learned about it and admire both organizations. …

Planned Parenthood said the Komen grants totaled roughly $680,000 last year and $580,000 the year before, going to at least 19 of its affiliates for breast-cancer screening and other breast-health services.

Feministing.com also points out "Karen Handel, the new Senior VP of Public Policy at Susan G. Komen, is a staunch anti-choicer, who went so far as to pledge to defund PP’s services when she was running for Governor.

"We are living in dangerous times in which breast health becomes part of an ideological battle," said Colorlines.com’s Akiba Solomon said about Komen’s decision.

"Poor women should not be denied the preventative care they need because of anti-choice, political pressure. If we needed evidence that the radical anti-choice movement is willing to sacrifice the lives of women for what they claim is a pro-life stance, this is the smoking gun," Solomon went on to say.