Birth Control Controversy

President Obama revamps a controversial birth control policy.  He says it will protect both religious liberties and access to contraception.

Under the changes, church-affiliated employers will not have to cover birth control for employees.  Instead, insurance companies will be directly responsible for providing the free contraception.

Even after these changes, the policy continues to draw criticism from church groups.  But, the President says this is about access to basic health care.

"No woman's health should depend on who she is or where she works, or how much money she makes. Every woman should be in control of the decisions that affect her own health," comments President Obama.

Mary Woodward of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson says the church believes basic healthcare is something every individual should have.

"Medications that can cause harm to women, we do not want to provide in our insurance plans and do not want to be forced to provide.  We're not going to adapt our teachings for government regulations," argues Woodward.

Under this new policy, employees of a church-affiliated organization would get contraception through their insurance company.

"It would still be us referring people to be able to have the drugs that cause abortion," continues Woodward.

She says the church could face penalties for violating the regulations.

"This could affect the economy.  People could lose their jobs.  Are we going to pay the fines or are we going to stop the service," asks Woodward.

The Diocese says it will continue to fight to be able to make its own decision on this issue.

The bishop has written a letter and has asked all of his parishes to read it to their congregation this weekend.  It asks them to contact their local elected officials expressing concern about this new policy.