Cautious Optimism in Oklahoma on New Health Mandate

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Leaders of Christian nonprofit groups in Oklahoma say they're "cautiously optimistic" about the new opt-out options offered by the Obama administration on birth control insurance requirements.

But they're also concerned that the options will not help for-profit businesses like Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby.

Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City director Patrick Raglow says he's pleased to see concessions being made for organizations that object to paying for contraception and abortion-inducing drugs. And Southern Nazarene University President Loren Gresham says he's pleased with the new opt-out option.

But both say they're concerned that for-profit businesses such as Hobby Lobby still must provide the insurance.

Hobby Lobby has filed a lawsuit alleging the mandate violates the Christian principles of the family that founded and owns the business.