White House Attacks Contraception Bill

By: Associated Press | WSAV
Published: February 13, 2012

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WASHINGTON --

The White House says legislation in the Senate that would give employers broad leeway to restrict coverage for contraception is "dangerous and wrong."

Press secretary Jay Carney took aim Monday at a bill by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida - a possible GOP vice presidential candidate - and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia that would allow any employer to deny birth control coverage if it runs counter to their religious or moral beliefs.

That's far more expansive than allowing conscience protections just for church-affiliated employers. President Barack Obama tried to get religious employers to provide free birth control coverage before backing off last week amid controversy and declaring such coverage would be provided by insurance companies instead.

Carney said the Rubio bill is "absolutely the wrong approach."