TEMECULA -- Murrieta chiropractor Todd Donohoe has not vaccinated his children, and doesn't recommend the practice to his clients.

He doesn't work to convince parents not to vaccinate their children, but he does try to expand their knowledge base, teach them that "there are options available," he said.

He calls it "empowering parents."

"So many people think, 'a doctor in a white coat, he knows best,'" said Donohoe, referring to the majority of pediatrician groups that strongly recommend vaccinations. "My main purpose is I want parents to know they have an option, they don't have to be forced to (believe) what their pediatrician or the medical establishment is feeding them."

Donohoe is leading a free educational seminar titled "Vaccination Questions All Parents Should Ask" from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday at Pickles & Giggles, 27548 Ynez Road.

Donohoe is a chiropractor who specializes in treating infants, children and pregnant women. He has been practicing for 12 years, 10 of them in Murrieta.

The lecture will answer a series of questions, including "are vaccinated children healthier than non-vaccinated children?" and "do the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the risks?"

"You need to be educated, you need to do your homework," he said. "This is not just a presentation based on my own opinion, this is the medical science that is current, up-to-date, and quite startling. I don't believe vaccinations are effective and necessary, and I do believe that they are harmful."

He said the presentation is filled with information not readily available to most parents.

Donohoe is affiliated with several holistic organizations and leads several other "Topic Thursdays," or free monthly educational seminars at Pickles & Giggles, a children's boutique and activity center. He also delves into subjects such as circumcision, co-sleeping, and the birthing process.

He can be reached at 951-677-6500. Pickles & Giggles' phone number is 951-308-1642 and its Web site is www.picklesandgiggles.com.