(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

ANCHOR ANTHONY MARTINEZ

The Obama administration said Friday most church-affiliated organizations WILL have to offer birth control to employees as part of their health plans. The Washington Post explains the rule, which was announced last summer.

“... [it] requires private insurance not merely to include birth control, but to do so without out-of-pocket charges. … From the beginning, the rule exempted employers such as churches whose primary purpose is to inculcate religious beliefs and that mainly employ and serve individuals who share those beliefs.”

But religious advocates argued that definition was too narrow. They want church-affiliated schools and hospitals to be included, so those institutions don’t have to provide birth control either. Instead, they only got an extension.

“The Obama administration said it would give religious organizations one additional year to comply.”

Many women’s rights groups have applauded the decision, but many church officials aren’t happy. NY1 reports on the outcry from Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan.

“Dolan, who heads up the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said the organization has never forced individuals and organizations to buy something that violates their conscience. He said that should also not happen in a country that values freedom of religion.”

President Obama spoke personally with Dolan to deliver the news. But as the Boston Globe reports, the fight might not be over.

“ … opponents of the rule said they would seek legislation to block it and might challenge it in court as well.”

The Associated Press reports some religious employers have talked of dropping coverage for their workers in protest, and simply paying fines to the government.