Obama Explains Birth Control Health Care Coverage

By: Michael Stevens
02/11/2012 05:09 PM ET

President Obama is feeling heat from religious groups over the issue of birth control.

On Friday, President Obama disclosed an “accommodation” in which health insurance companies will take care of employees with birth control coverage.

The revamped concept completely eliminates all faith-based institutions, which include houses of worship, hospitals, and universities from dealing with employees’ contraception costs.

“Every woman should be in control of the decisions that affect her own health,” Obama stated at a White House address.

“Now, as we move to implement this rule, however, we’ve been mindful that there’s another principle at stake here and that’s the principle of religious liberty, an inalienable right that is enshrined in our Constitution,” Obama said. “As a citizen and as a Christian, I cherish this right.”

This issue was brought up due to Obama’s 2009 overhaul of healthcare, that stated employers would be responsible to provide free birth control coverage to their employees. On Jan 20, Kathleen Sebelius, the Health and Human Services Secretary, proclaimed the authorization.

According to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops they will be studying the modified rule.

“While there may be an openness to respond to some of our concerns, we reserve judgment on the details until we have them,” said Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, president of USCCB.

“We hope to work with the administration to guarantee that Americans’ consciences, and our religious freedoms are not harmed by these regulations.”

Source: Obama Birth Control