Numerous media outlets are reporting that President Barack Obama plans a statement Friday to address the groundswell of controversy over new federal health care mandates which would require employers to offer birth control coverage at no cost.

The mandate has struck a chord with Catholic organizations which would find the practice morally objectionable on religious grounds. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Friday that SSM Health Care and Mercy are among the Catholic organizations which have vowed to fight the regulations.

Locally, SSM operates the SSM Saint Joseph Health Center in Wentzville  

The Associated Press is reporting that in an 11:15 a.m. CT address, the President will announce a shift in policy which will require insurance carriers and not employers, to provide such coverage.