DEAR ABBY: I have been a vegetarian since I was 6 for ethical reasons, and I would like to raise my unborn daughter to be one, too. The problem is my parents and five sisters don't agree. They say that I will be depriving her and that I should let her make her own choices. They also said they will do as they please, even after I explained I would always have her food prepared in advance. Am I already a bad mom for saying no to meat? -- ETHICAL REASONS IN SPOKANE
DEAR ETHICAL REASONS: According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: "Children raised on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes grow up to be slimmer and healthier and even live longer than their meat-eating friends." However, not all doctors feel this way and advise that around 8 or 9 months complete proteins be introduced into a baby's diet to ensure the child gets enough iron. This is why this very important subject should be discussed with your child's pediatrician to help you decide what is best for her.