Why Are We Arguing Over Birth Control in 2012?

The Washington Post: How the Catholic Church almost came to accept birth control, by Elaine Tyler May:

There is something truly baffling about the 2012 presidential candidates hotly debating Planned Parenthood and birth control. These battles were fought — and won — half a century ago. At that time, the vast majority of Americans, nearly all mainstream religious organizations and leaders in both political parties accepted contraception as beneficial to families, society and the world. . . .