courtesy Creative Commons

House Speaker John Boehner, who is Catholic, told the Washington Post the requirement was unconstitutional.

White House spokesman Jay Carney responded saying the policy promoted women’s health and does not encourage abortion.

"I think it's fair to say that while there are those who take issue with the decision, millions of American women will have access to preventive services, as they should, appropriately, through the health care reform bill," Carney told CBS News.

Under Obama’s health care overhaul law, most employers and insurance plans corer birth control free of charge as preventative care.

While churches and other places of worship do not have to follow the requirement hospital, colleges and charities affiliated with churches have to, according to the Washington Post.

Some Catholic and Protestant leaders are criticizing the decision as impeding on freedom of religion.

Reach executive producer Hannah Madans.