Obama has come under heavy criticism from the Catholic Church and other religious organizations, Republicans and even some Democrats over the issue.

On Friday, Obama announced employees who work for religious organizations that object to providing birth control would be able to purchase contraception from the employer's insurer. He also said employers, such as Catholic hospitals and charities, will not have to pay for the birth control or refer their employees to groups that provide birth control.

"This is an issue where people of goodwill on both sides of the debate have been sorting through some very complicated questions to find a solution that works for everyone," he said. "With today's announcement, we've done that. Religious liberty will be protected and a law that requires free preventative care will not discriminate against women."



For more on Obama's announcement, click here.

