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RALEIGH – President Barack Obama announced a compromise on Friday to the federal mandate requiring employers, even religious organizations, to provide contraceptives to workers who want them.

The birth control requirement sparked a national political debate pitting women's rights against freedom of religion.

“These employers will not have to pay for or provide contraceptive services,” Obama said. “But women who work at these institutions will have access to free contraceptive services just like other women.”

Under the compromise, health insurers -- not employers -- will be required to offer and pay for women's contraceptive care, including morning-after pills.

The Catholic Church is one of the biggest critics of the mandate. Michael Burbidge, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, said birth control medication goes against their religious beliefs, and they're still concerned, even with the compromise.

“It would be a severe violation of our religious freedom of liberty if we had to make that which we do not believe acceptable and available to others,” he said. “But now are we being asked to say we're not going to give this to you, but we have to direct you to where you can find that.”

Women's rights advocates said the compromise protects employers' religious freedoms and provides equal care to all women, no matter what religion they are or who they work for.

“Ninety-nine percent of all women use contraceptive care at some point in their life,” said Melissa Reed, vice-president for public policy with Planned Parenthood in Raleigh. “In fact, for most women, they spend five years of their life trying to get pregnant and 30 years of their life trying not to get pregnant. This is really basic health care for women.”

The Catholic Church said they're reserving judgement on the plan until they see the details.

Under the president's compromise, religious organizations will not have to refer their employees to organizations that provide contraceptive coverage. Religious organizations also will not be required to subsidize the cost of contraceptives.