Catholic colleges weigh birth control issue

SOUTH BEND, IN.(WISH) -  Leaders of Catholic colleges in Indiana are weighing their options after a federal order requiring
religious-based employers to provide birth-control coverage to female employees starting next year.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says religiously affiliated nonprofit organizations must provide coverage starting August 1st, 2013.

Affiliated groups must provide services ranging from implanted contraceptive devices to the morning-after pill.

Officials at the University of Notre Dame, Holy Cross College and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend say they're disappointed by the ruling and are considering options that include working with Congress to expand the religious groups exempt under the federal health care overhaul.

Brother John Paige of Holy Cross tells the South Bend Tribune the ruling puts the school in direction opposition to church teachings.