Planned Parenthood and the pink Bibles controversy

Americans can promote breast cancer awareness with everything from ribbons to coffee mugs to women's designer boots. But one pinkified book is drumming up a wave of controversy. It's a special Breast Cancer Awareness edition of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, which has been yanked from store shelves by its publisher after customers complained about who was getting the money raised from sales. Here, a brief guide:

What happened?

Nashville-based LifeWay Christian Resources recalled its special edition "Here's Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Bible" from Walmart and other retailers after receiving complaints that the book's proceeds — $1 per copy — went to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, which has ties to Planned Parenthood. (Some of the Komen money funded cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood clinics.) "Though we have assurances that Komen's funds are used only for breast cancer screening and awareness," said Thomas Rainer, president of LifeWay, "it is not in keeping with LifeWay's core values to have even an indirect relationship with Planned Parenthood." He called the project a "mistake."

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Has the Susan G. Komen Foundation always been controversial?

No, the 25-year-old foundation is the global leader for the breast cancer movement, responsible for events like Race for the Cure. When LifeWay's Bibles hit store shelves two months ago, they appeared to be just another in a long line of pink products put out to let people show support for the cause. But then anti-abortion websites and some customers started complaining about the Komen foundation's ties to Planned Parenthood, an organization that offers a host of sexual health services, including birth control and abortions. "The sign might as well read, 'Buy a Bible and support abortion!'" wrote Susan Tyrrell at Life News.

And what does the Komen Foundation say?

The cancer awareness group was "disappointed" by LifeWay's decision, and said that all of the money raised "since the Bible's debut in October has gone directly to breast-cancer related services, and none to abortion services." That's why this is so unfortunate, says Meredith Melnick at TIME. Now, the "only losers in the controversy are women who need breast cancer screening."

Sources: CBS News, Life News, TIME, USA Today