(UPDATE, Feb. 3: The Susan G. Koman group reversed their decision to defund Planned Parenthood, bowing to a tide of negative critisism from supporters and local chapters. -CNN)

Thousands of donors have contributed $650,000 to Planned Parenthood within 24 hours in reaction to the Susan G. Komen Foundation's decision to cut off funding to the group.

The immediate spike in online donations was large enough to replace last year's Komen funding, which is used for breast screenings.

Planned Parenthood, which caters to low-income women unable to afford gynecological care, also launched a Breast Health Emergency Fund that received a $250,000 gift from the family foundation of Dallas philanthropists Lee and Amy Fikes.

Komen officials say their policy prohibits grants to any group under investigation. A congressional subcommittee launched in September is looking into Planned Parenthood's compliance with federal restrictions on funding for abortions.

(READ the story in the Washington Post)