LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- The Obama administration has made a major change to its controversial requirement that all employers, including religious ones, cover birth control for their employees.
On Friday, President Obama said he has come up with a solution that will protect religious liberty while at the same time allowing women access to contraception.
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz spoke to WHAS11 about Obama’s plan.
"I don’t want to say the word compromise because it sounds as if I am going to compromise my conscience," Kurtz said.
Kurtz just back from Rome and meetings with Pope Benedicte is expressing his views for the first time on the White House's decision Friday to change its policy on birth control.
"There is a time when there is an overstretch and I believe that's where we are now,” Kurtz said. “When we intrude into the exercise of religion. It's of grave concern.”
Facing increasing pressure and anger from religious organizations, President Obama made an announcement on Friday on his revamped birth control coverage.
"Under the rule women will still have access to free preventive care, - no matter where they work," Obama said.
The original rule would have required employers to provide health insurance that includes contraception. It even applied to religious charities and hospitals who are morally opposed to it. Under the new policy, it will be insurance companies who will provide that coverage, meaning the employers won't have to pay for or play a direct role in medical care they're opposed to. But the move is still raising concerns for religious leaders. Kurtz says the details have to be reviewed.
"What does this really do and to what extent removing the assault on religious freedom. I'd have to wait to see about that," Kurtz said.
