Obama may reach 'accomodation' over contraception mandate

In response to protests lodged by various religious groups and politicians citing objections founded on the Constitution, it appears that Obama administration is set to announce today that it is willing to reach an “accommodation” over its requirement for religiously-affiliated institutions such as hospitals to provide contraception to employees. 

Administrations officials are reportedly saying that the change is meant to calm anger directed at President Barack Obama over his rule requiring health insurance plans, including those offered by Roman Catholic institutions, to provide birth control to women free of charge. President Obama, in a telephone call to Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who is set to become a Cardinal, said that he was giving Catholic organizations one year to comply. The ruling came with some opposition within the Administration, as both Vice President Joseph Biden and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reportedly voiced strong objections that were overruled by Obama.