This is from a piece by John Stoehr – published on line by Al Jazeera (of all people.) 

“Dolan and the bishops planned to take on the Obama administration, even though a variation of Obama’s rule had been on the books since the Bush era. About a decade ago, the law demanded that every employer with more than 15 workers provide equal coverage for men and women (specifically, you can’t pay for Viagra while not paying for the Pill).”   …  “Obama’s sole contribution was to expand the mandate to all employers and to require no co-pay. This is why major Catholic universities already provide birth control.

“Why are the bishops fighting now … “

“My guess is this is part of the global drift of the Roman Catholic Church to the right, which itself is a reaction to secular currents in Europe and North America. They are fighting against same-sex marriage, and for the hearts of Catholics disillusioned by dogma and by years of headlines about priests raping boys and girls. (mostly boys… my comment.”

Editor's comment:  I take to heart the need for the Church to act in its own interest - thus I don't criticize their taking to the media to campaign for what they think is right.  Still the Church can't have it both ways.  It runs many schools and hospitals that are almost identical to non Church schools and hospitals.  Catholic schools are attended by non-Catholics, and the hospitals are sometimes the only ones available in a community.  They receive significant direct and indirect government revenue, from Pell Grants and student loans, to Medicare and Medicaid payments.  Having entered the secular world, they cannot withdraw when it hurts.  

Sure, their Church's remain just that, Churches - exclusive to members of the club.  But for the rest, who are they kidding.

One more note, especially re birth control.  It was widely thought that the Church would alter its position during Vatican II.  (By Catholic scholars).  They did not.  But remember it took more than 3 centuries for the Church to correct the record regarding Galileo.   

http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/campaign-against-birth-control-religious-fanaticism-094218676.html