Reports: Obama administration offers compromise on birth control requirements

NEW YORK — Controversy over a plan by the Obama administration to require health insurance plans to provide free contraception to women has led the administration to seek a policy that it is calling a compromise with conservative groups opposed to the measure, according to published reports.

The controversy surrounded the new rule's requirement that employee health insurance plans provide free birth control, including those run by the Roman Catholic church, such as hospitals and universities. The Church opposes birth control.

According to the New York Times, the administration is planning to offer an "accommodation" that would allow religious organizations to forgo offering free birth control, while employees needing it would be able to get it as a side benefit for a small fee, but it would effectively be free for them.

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