The Bush administration is proposing stronger job protections for doctors and other health care workers who refuse to perform abortions because of religious or moral objections.

Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt said health care professionals shouldn't face retaliation from employers or medical societies because they object to abortion.

The proposed rule applies to institutions receiving government cash. It would require as many as 584,000 employers ranging from major hospitals to doctors' offices and nursing homes to certify that they're complying with federal laws protecting conscience rights of health care workers. Violations could lead to a loss of government funding and legal action to recoup federal money already paid.

Abortion rights supporters say they intend to challenge the new rule.