Pacemaker and defibrillator deactivation in competent hospice patients: an ethical consideration.

The Denver Community Bioethics Committee (DCBC) is an independent, community-based group that undertakes ethics consultations for any individual or organization. Its members include adult protection professionals, physicians, elder-law attorneys, chaplains, nurses, social workers, and lay persons. In its 11-year history, the Committee has heard numerous cases concerning end-of-life care, futile treatment, and patients' rights.

Reproductive health counseling at pregnancy testing: a pilot study.

Objectives: To pilot brief reproductive health counseling for women obtaining pregnancy testing in a managed-care setting who did not desire pregnancy.

Methods: Women received counseling, access to contraception and a booster call at 2 weeks. Changes in contraceptive behavior were evaluated.