(Image Source: Howbirthcontrolworks.com) 

BY VICTORIA CRAIG

You're watching mutli-source video news analysis from Newsy. 

A mandate in the new health care law concerning contraception appears to have President Obama playing defense -- and thinking twice. New York’s WPIX explains the controversy.

“The decision requires all employee health plans to cover contraceptives. But some Catholic leaders are upset because their faith does not condone birth control. The White House has hinted that they are working on a compromise.”

Working on a compromise -- yes. Backing down?  Well, that’s still up for debate. A columnist for the Washington Post tells CBS’ This Morning, while the Obama administration wants to quell the naysayers, it won’t back down on its central point. They believe churches have religious liberty rights, but...

“They think religious institutions like hospitals and charities and universities should be treated under federal law like a 7/11 or Apple store.”

Still, Politico says the fact the president and his administration are working on a compromise is surprising. And, it believes, shows the administration’s election-year fears.

“The problem illustrates the complexities of Obama’s election-year calculus: Walk back the decision, and enrage women voters, a group he must woo to win reelection. Stick to it, and risk inflaming Catholics, a critical swing bloc that he can’t afford to lose too badly.”

All the hoopla surrounding the issue might just work in Republicans’ favor. The Washington Post explains.

“Republicans see vulnerabilities for the president, not just on the issue of religious liberty but also on the role of government. They believe that Obama, in approving the new regulation, played into their long-running critiques that he is anti-religion and eager to expand the reach of government.”

But on CNN’s “Starting Point,” Soledad O’Brien points out, despite the controversy, more Catholic women actually support the president’s mandate than oppose it.

“Fifty-five percent of Americans agree, in this poll, employers should be required to provide health care plans that cover contraception. Contraception’s pretty expensive, it’s like 600 bucks a year. Fifty-eight percent, so higher than overall Americans, 58 percent of Catholics agree.”

In a press conference Tuesday, presidential press secretary Jay Carney made clear the federal mandate isn’t much different from mandates in 28 states which also require preventative policies for women. He stressed the administration is trying to find a balance between religious concerns and providing health care to everyone.