Birth Control Debate

When Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke testified in support of President Obama's policy for employers to provide birth control for all women, she became a target for conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.

" Well, what would you call someone who wants us to pay for her to have sex? What would you call that woman? You'd call 'em a slut, a prostitute or whatever," said Limaugh.

The president's healthcare reform requires all companies, including religious institutions, to provide health coverage for female contraception. But, religious leaders feel differently.

"We're just interested in the moral issue and trying to address it in a way we can practice what we want to practice, " said Father Mike Walker, Pastor of Shepard of the Valley Church in Central Point. "...do what we want to do as religious institutions. And not feel we're being forced by the government to do something that's against our conscious."

Republican House Speaker, John Boehner, called Limbaugh's words "inappropriate," according to his spokesman.

Limbaugh has not apologized for his comments.

But local women in the Rogue Valley are weighing in on the issue.

"Women still have a choice, but is abstinence the best choice," said  Vicki Batesole as she was leaving the postal office in downtown Medford.

"We are a great country. Why are our women having to fight for contraception care?" explained Robin Fusmer.  

Senate Democrats blocked the proposal to give religious organizations an exemption, but conservatives have vowed to continue the fight.

Some argue this could hurt Republican candidates in the 2012 election.