Catholic hospitals accept birth control rule

WASHINGTON — A trade group for Catholic hospitals says it can accept the Obama administration’s compromise on birth control coverage.

The Catholic Health Association says it’s pleased with final rules for faith-affiliated nonprofits from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The new health care law requires employers to cover birth control, free of charge for women workers. Churches and other houses of worship are fully exempt. Religiously affiliated hospitals, universities and charities that object can have their insurers provide birth control coverage separately.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops says the accommodation doesn’t go far enough, and will continue court challenges.

The hospital group says it has been working with the bishops even though their positions differ. Its acceptance of the compromise was reported first Tuesday by the National Catholic Reporter.