WASHINGTON – Democrats are deeply divided over President Obama’s new rule that religious schools and hospitals must provide insurance for free birth control to their employees amid fresh signs that the administration was scrambling for a way out.

“This is not only unacceptable, it is un-American,” says Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a Catholic who faces re-election in November in a state where Wednesday nights are reserved for church services.

Another Catholic senator, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, has pleaded with the administration “to correct this decision which will erode the conscience rights” that have been protected for decades. His opposition echoes the criticism of his bishop in Scranton, the Rev. Joseph C. Bambera.

Several Democrats, including Senate candidate Tim Kaine in Virginia and Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski, have been outspoken in assailing the recently announced administration mandate that has angered religious groups and unified Republicans in protest. In a reflection of the party split, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Thursday blocked a GOP effort to debate an amendment on religious freedom.

A day earlier, liberal female senators thanked Obama for the new policy during a closed-door retreat.

“We’re here to stand up for the women of America who deserve to have access to free preventive care through their health insurance,” Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said later at a news conference.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi promised a fierce debate on women’s rights if Republicans tried to repeal the policy.

Even though church-affiliated hospitals, colleges and social service agencies will have an additional year to comply with the requirement, issued last month under Obama’s health care overhaul, the outcry has been loud and fierce. Facing intense pressure, the White House is trying to come up with a compromise.

In a show of defiance, Manchin joined forces with GOP Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida in introducing legislation to expand the religious exemption and undo the Obama policy.