Finally putting my 2 oz. in on this subject. As many of us come from different *helping* professions, our professional organizations have codes of ethics by which to conduct ourselves professionally. when the subject of informed consent in relation to telling parents about the hazards of artificial feeding, I reviewed the NASW (Nat'l Assoc. of Social Workers) Code of Ethics. Sec. 1.03 states, "[S]ocial workers should provide services to clinets on ly in the context of a professional relationship based...on valid informed consent. Social workers should use clear and understandable language...risks realted to the services...clients' right to refuse or withdraw consent...[S]ocial workers should provide clients with an opportunity to ask questions." I take this to mean that it is my professional responsibility to give clients ALL the information I have on a subject. That I must make it clear and understandable, not couched in terms so as not to make them feel guilty (i.e., if I find out a client is drinking and driving I need to discuss her safety, the safety of others, what will happen if she pulled over by the police, the punishment for DUI, etc.). That clients have freedom of choice, but cannot make choices without information. I'm sure that if any nurse, MD/DO, lawyer, etc. went and looked at their industry's ethical standards they would find something like this. Therefore, if I was given a *hard time* about discussing the hazards of bottle-feeding, I would bring up the above statement along with additional reasoning, "I am obligated by my professional organization and licensure to uphold a standard of ethics. I am only providing my client with her right to informed consent in a non-judgmental manner in order to promote her well-being." [Sec. 1.01 committment to clients] No one should feel professionally disempowered, gagged, etc. because he/she chooses to uphold an ethical standard. Well, I guess that was my 4 oz. worth. Johanna Berger, LSW Breastfeeding Counselor Bala Cynwyd, PA ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html