A controversial requirement to offer contraception in health care plans has the Catholic Church up in arms.

Under the umbrella of the sweeping 2010 health care law, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services announced that all private insurance plans must cover women's preventive services by August 1, 2012.

"One of the requirements was the coverage of contraceptive and sterilization procedures for all women of a reproductive age," said Jarrod Pearson, a health care attorney.

Institutions run by churches-- like hospitals, universities and soup kitchens-- fall under this requirement, though churches themselves are exempt. The administration gave those organizations an extra year to comply.

But because the Catholic Church does not believe in contraceptives, they will most likely take the issue to court.

"We cannot and will not comply with this unjust law, and we regard it as a very direct impingement on our religious freedom as Catholics in the United States," said Father Michael Papesh, the chief of staff in the Diocese of Pueblo. He said the fight is being taken to the pulpit, and he hopes beyond.

"Our hope is that during this next year that we may rouse the Catholic population across the country such that this is simply overturned," said Papesh.

Pearson said there's a legal case on both sides.

"The administration isn't saying that you as an individual have to take birth control or that you as an individual can't take it," he said.

However, the Obama administration argues that if you hire someone that does not subscribe to your religion, you cannot make them abide by your religious tenants.

"You're a general employer now,” said Pearson. “When you're out there in the common market place and you're hiring somebody, you shouldn't be able to impose your religious doctrine on all of your employees."

The controversy has become political fodder on the campaign trail, with Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney all speaking out against it.

"There has been editorial material that suggests that President Obama has alienated the Catholic vote out of the chute," said Papesh.

White House press secretary Jay Carney says President Obama is trying to make sure all women in the U.S. have access to the same preventative care.

A Planned Parenthood survey reveals that Catholic voters are divided on the issue. About 53% support the requirement.