The Saint Alphonsus Health System, based in Boise, its parent Trinity Health and the Catholic Health Association said Friday that they are "very pleased" that the White House today said it would not require Catholic institutions to offer birth control in their health plans for employees.

Under President Barack Obama's new plan, health insurers would be required to offer birth control coverage directly to employees of Catholic institutions like Saint Alphonsus.

The White House said that under the 2010 health care reform law, most insurance plans will cover contraception as a women's preventive care service at no cost starting in August.

The decision "protects the religious liberty and conscience rights of Catholic institutions," said Saint Alphonsus President and Chief Executive Officer Sally Jeffcoat in a written statement. "We remain committed to working with the administration and others to fully implement the Affordable Care Act to extend comprehensive and quality health care to many who suffer today from the lack of it."

Audrey Dutton: 377-6448