Overview

Birthwork Institute™ is committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness, due process, impartiality, and equal opportunity in all aspects of its certification programs. These principles guide the administration of the Certified Lactation Support Specialist™ (CLSS™) credential and all related certification activities, ensuring that every applicant, candidate, certificant, and staff member is treated with respect and equity.

Fairness

Birthwork Institute™ ensures that all certification and recertification processes are administered consistently and equitably. Decisions regarding eligibility, examination, certification, and disciplinary actions are based solely on relevant qualifications and performance. No individual shall be denied opportunity or treated unfairly on the basis of gender, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

Impartiality

Birthwork Institute™ conducts all certification activities with objectivity and independence. Staff, evaluators, and contractors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and to recuse themselves from decisions or activities where impartiality could be compromised. The Institute continually monitors its procedures to ensure that no internal or external influence (financial, commercial, or personal) affects the fairness of certification decisions. Any indication of bias or partiality is promptly investigated and addressed.

Non-Discrimination

Birthwork Institute™ values diversity and inclusion as essential components of its mission. All policies and practices are designed to provide equal access to certification and professional recognition for all individuals. Eligibility requirements, examination procedures, and certification decisions are applied uniformly without discrimination. The Birthwork Institute expects all personnel and representatives to uphold these principles and to contribute to an environment free from harassment, prejudice, or exclusion.

Last updated: December 2025