(Creative Commons)

The decision that was announced on Tuesday would have cut $680,000 that Planned Parenthood affiliates receive per year from the Komen Foundation, which provides approximately 170,000 clinical breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals, mainly to low-income and minority women according to The Washington Post.

“Nineteen of our current grantee affiliates across the country [would have been] directly impacted,” said Serena Josel, Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles in a phone interview Thursday.

People did not take the news sitting down. Across the country, many signed petitions, went on social media and took out their wallets to support Planned Parenthood.

“We’ve seen a tremendous outpouring of support…It’s truly heartwarming how many care.” Josel said.

Donators rallied around Planned Parenthood, raising over $400,000 in the first 24 hours for organization. Planned Parenthood also established a Breast Health Emergency Fund to provide immediate funding and ensure that Planned Parenthood health centers could continue to provide breast cancer screenings and care that had previously been supported by Komen, reported The Washington Post.

Komen’s decision to cut funding was based on a recent policy change in which the foundation would not support organizations being investigated by Congress, said The Huffington Post.

However, many believe that Komen succumbed to political pressure.

“Komen changed its own internal policy, due to concern with the current Republican party. They were afraid that the funding would reflect poorly on them.” Josel said.

According to its website, The Komen Foundation promises to educate men and women on the importance of early detection as well as funding free screening services and providing support to those diagnosed with breast cancer.

On Friday, the foundation recommitted to that promise. "We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities," the Komen Organization said in a statement.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards also released a statement on Planned Parenthood's website, sharing her enthusiasm in Komen's decision to reverse its policy.

“In recent weeks, the treasured relationship between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and Planned Parenthood has been challenged, and we are now heartened that we can continue to work in partnership toward our shared commitment to breast health for the most underserved women," Richards said. “We are enormously grateful that the Komen Foundation has clarified its grantmaking criteria, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Komen partners, leaders and volunteers.”

Reach reporter Jackie Mansky here.