US Bishops Reserve Judgment on Birth Control Rule

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the nation's Roman Catholic bishops says it's too soon to tell whether the Obama administration's revamped rule on birth control will address the church's objections.

But Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan is calling a revised birth control mandate a good first-step toward addressing religious liberty concerns.

President Barack Obama says he is backing off a new requirement for religious employers to provide free birth control coverage, even if it runs counter to their religious beliefs. Instead, employees of those institutions will be able to get free contraception directly from health insurance companies.

Dolan said Friday the bishops will reserve judgment until details are released.

He says bishops still believe federal legislation is needed to protect religious freedom.