The Affordable Care Act mandated that employers' health insurance plans provide women with contraception free of charge; however, after objections from religious groups, the Obama administration recently called for a change in which certain religious and non-profit organizations would not have to pay for contraception since it would upset their principles. Instead, the health insurance companies will have to directly offer contraception coverage to their employees.

In January 2012, the Obama administration declared that religious-affiliated employers would have to provide contraception as a form of preventative care for female employees. The Catholic Church, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Republican leaders called on Obama to make a change since the mandate would have interfered with their religious freedom. Archbishop Timothy Dolan was pleased and hopeful with Obama’s decision to revise the mandate, but stated that the Church would need to see the details, and would work with the Obama administration. Other religious officials continue to object to the policy for non-religious reasons, while others have called on Obama to insert a clearer definition exempting the concerned religious organizations. General Counsel for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops suggests the provision should be removed completely instead of making an amendment for Catholic employers and their insurers. Many Democrats on the other side of the debate called for Obama to stand firm on the rule to protect women’s health.

I recommend reading this article since the health care debate is such a relevant topic. The contraception issue demonstrates just one objection to the law. This issue and the Obama administration’s decision to amend the mandate quickly after opposition illustrate how important of an issue the new health insurance law and its implications are. 

Obama to change birth control rule