To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

CHARLOTTE — The battle over a new White House policy requiring Catholic institutions to provide free access to birth control is heating up.

David Hains, with the Diocese of Charlotte said he has been overwhelmed with calls and emails from concerned Catholics over a rule he feels is unnecessary and goes too far.

"It's a violation of our conscience, of something that is sacred and central for all of us," said Hains.

Some politicians have expressed concerns over the White House policy as well.

"If the president does not reverse the department's attack on religious freedom, then the Congress must," said Republican House Speaker and Catholic John Boehner.

Looking to avoid an election-year fall-out, the White House is now hinting at a possible compromise. However political science professor Michael Bitzer said the damage may have already been done, since Catholics represent a large, Republican-leaning base

"This has kind of energized the catholic church to really become much more aggressive in their approach,” said Bitzer. “So there is probably some serious blow back the White House is looking at saying they maybe need to rethink this.”

Bitzer thinks GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum could benefit the most from the controversy, as he continues to campaign on family and faith values. Unless changed, the policy goes into effect Aug. 1.

Religious organizations that do not provide contraceptive coverage based on their beliefs will have an extra year to comply.