AP Religion Writer
Workplace health plans will have to cover all forms of contraception with Food and Drug Administration approval starting next year, and religious groups are putting up a fight.
The Health and Human Services Department has adopted the rules to promote women's health. Worship groups, such as a church, mosque or synagogue, would be exempt. But religions that provide services to all faiths, such as hospitals, may have a tougher time.
Birth control ranging from the pill to implantable devices to sterilization would all be covered under the regulations. Also covered is the morning-after pill, which can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and is considered tantamount to an abortion drug by some religious conservatives.
Many Roman Catholic bishops have responded sharply to the regulation, launching a nationwide campaign against the mandate.