Big Journalism: Media Matters' Statement That Waco, TX Planned Parenthood Clinic Provides Mammograms Is “False”

Big Journalism: “Planned Parenthood Clinics In Texas Are Not Licensed To Have Mammogram Machines.” From a post on Breitbart's Big Journalism, linking only to conservative, anti-abortion organizations to back up its claims:

Says Media Matters:

This is false.

Live Action called two clinics in Waco, in addition to the one in Tucson, Arizona (heard on tape in the video below) and were told that no, the clinics do not provide mammogram screenings. In fact,Planned Parenthood clinics in Texas are not licensed to have mammogram machines:

Of the 14 Planned Parenthood abortion clinics in Texas, not a single one has either license or equipment.

[Big Journalism, 3/30/11]

FACT: Waco's Planned Parenthood Of Central Texas Is Partnered With Outside Organizations To Provide Mammograms

Planned Parenthood Of Central Texas Pays For Patients To Get Mammograms. In a statement to Media Matters, Felicia Chase Goodman, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Central Texas said:

Planned Parenthood of Central Texas is proud to provide comprehensive breast cancer screening for our patients, including mammography when needed. Through grants from the Central Texas affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and our participation in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening (BCCS) program (through the Texas Department of State Health Services), PPCT provides referrals and pays for mammograms and diagnostic follow up treatment for our patients at area radiology and surgical clinics.

Through these grants, in 2010 PPCT patients received 609 screening mammograms and 125 diagnostic mammograms; breast cancer was detected in 20 women. For most of these patients, Planned Parenthood is their only healthcare provider.

Through our participation in the BCCS program, patients who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer can be enrolled in the Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer (MBCC) program, which ensures that they receive the necessary treatment to fight cancer.

Waco, TX Planned Parenthood Has Provided Over 2,000 Mammograms Since 2001. From a Waco Planned Parenthood Newsletter:

In 2009 we provided 487 mammograms and 162 diagnostic follow-up procedures for our patients. Since this program began in 2001, we have provided 2,683 mammograms to low-income women. [Waco Planned Parenthood, Spring/Summer 2010]

El Paso Times: “Free Mammograms May Be Available Through Nonprofit Health-Care Organizations Serving The Community, Including ... Planned Parenthood Of El Paso As Well As Others.” From an October 10, 2008, column in The El Paso Times:

Women at high risk should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.

Lack of access to health care and poverty issues restrict many women of color from prevention and early treatment of many types of cancers. Annual mammograms are generally out of the reach of most middle- to low-income women. Cultural presuppositions are inherent in this area of preventative care, restricting many women from seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Free mammograms are not provided by most health-care plans. The majority of diagnostic facilities accept private insurance, self-pay, Medicare and Medicaid; very few accommodate those lacking financial resources or insurance.

Free mammograms may be available through nonprofit health-care organizations serving the community, including Thomason Hospital, LULAC, Clinica Guadalupana and Planned Parenthood of El Paso as well as others.

But, without access to information, many women hesitate to seek out these services on their own.

Education is key to awareness; awareness is key to early detection. [The El Paso Times, 10/10/08, via Nexis]

Planned Parenthood Of Central Texas Is Partnered With Susan G. Komen Foundation And Texas Breast & Cervical Cancer Services To Provide Mammograms. From Planned Parenthood of Central Texas' website:

Lifesaving Programs

Planned Parenthood in Waco is a Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening (BCCS) provider in Texas and receives funds from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help women get mammography and follow-up care.

Susan G. Komen Foundation

Through a grant from the local Central Texas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Planned Parenthood in Waco provides life-saving mammogram screening and abnormal mammogram follow-up diagnostic testing for low-income women.

[...]

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program (BCCS) offers clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pelvic examinations, and Pap tests throughout Texas at no or low-cost to eligible women. The goal of Texas' BCCS is to reduce mortality from breast cancer and cervical cancer in Texas. [PlannedParenthood.org, accessed 3/31/11]

Texas Department Of State Health Services Lists Planned Parenthood Clinics As Breast Cancer Service Providers. The Texas Department of State Health Services includes Planned Parenthood of Central Texas in Waco in its list of Breast and Cervical Cancer Services providers. [Breast & Cervical Cancer Services Clinic Locator, 2/15/11]

Waco, TX Planned Parenthood Newsletter Announced A Partnership With BCCS To Provide Mammograms. From the Waco Planned Parenthood's Spring/Summer 2008 newsletter:

We were approved as one of the 200 Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening (BCCS) providers in Texas. BCCS brings to low income/uninsured women over 50, services for breast screening, mammography and diagnostic follow-up. It also provides prevention services for low income/uninsured women 18 - 64 who have never been screened for cervical cancer (Pap smear) or who have not been screened in over 5 years. These older populations include women who we have not been funded to see previously since our family planning funds exclude women who are “not fertile.” We have increased our clinical staff and contracted with local surgeons for follow-up in order to meet the goals of BCCS. BCCS is a wonderful complement to our collaboration with the Central Texas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation through which we provide mammography for women under 50. We expanded our contracts with Waco Radiology, Hillcrest Center for Breast Screening and the Celia Mitchell Breast Center to meet the increased need that will come with the new BCCS initiative. [Planned Parenthood in Waco Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2008]