Some readers have raised some questions about the proposed federal rule that would redefine abortion, and which could override a state law that requires hospitals to offer rape victims emergency contraception.

Here is some clarity: The rule has not been officially made public, but a draft was leaked to the New York Times two weeks ago. The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which manages federal health care dollars, has declined to respond to questions about it from reporters, including this one. The agency will not say who proposed the changes or why.

If enacted, the rule would not forbid Minnesota hospitals from providing emergency contraception, also known as Plan B. But a hospital or hospital employee could refuse to do so for moral or religious reasons. Hospitals and clinics that require employees to put patient care above their beliefs would be denied federal money from Medicare or Medicaid, or Title 10 funds, which pay for family planning services to low income women.

Doctors offices and family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood would have to accept as employees anyone who believed providing birth control was tantamount to an abortion. They, too, would risk losing federal reimbursements if they “discriminated” against employees on the basis of their moral and religious beliefs.

The process to make this rule official is not clear. HHS said that there is not timetable. But it would work something like this: HHS would publish a proposed rule — which could be the same or be different than the draft version — in the Federal Register, a federal publication. The agency would invite comments from the public and interested parties. After 30 days HHS or President Bush would convene a panel to consider it.  HHS could then implement a new rule — or not.

To read more about it you can go here, here and here. For the original New York Times piece, go here.