BWI Statement of Non-Discrimination

Our cultural awareness is reflected in the core values held by our organization. BirthWorks has a no-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment. We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability status, education, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, marital status, military status (or protected veteran status), national origin (ancestry), neurodiversity, sex, sexual orientation/identity, size, race, or religion (creed) in any activities or operations – we welcome all birthing parents and their families from all cultures.

Birth is one for all, regardless of cultural heritage. We support all people through our universal programs and training in cross-cultural Human Values. We seek to train and certify professionals from all places, and always work to increase diversity which is reflected in our in-person and interactive online training workshops, our materials, our presentations, our publications, and our conferences. In fact, it is the practice of Human Values that promotes unity across cultures which brings respect amongst all and upholds dignity of all. Professional and respectful interactions – between the BirthWorks team, our students and certified professionals, parents and other professionals and organizations we work with – is what we continually assess and build to achieve. 

Harassment has no place in birth. These include demeaning, humiliating, ridiculing, and mocking comments, based on a person’s characteristics such as gender identity, religious and spiritual beliefs, sexuality, age, body size or abilities through the use of words, phrases, innuendoes, or epithets. 

The foundation of our universal philosophy is the Truth that all women are born with the knowledge about how to give birth because birth is instinctive. This brings a wide diversity of people to our holistic philosophy because they sense that the practice of human values with integration of the mind, body, and spirit matters, to have a positive birth experience, regardless of their gender or identity.  

Gender-inclusive language is promoted in all our workshop and program materials and  includes acknowledging heterosexual and single-parent families, blended families, lesbian, gay, transgender, and gender-queer families as well as honoring those who wish to be called mother and woman. There is no discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion or belief system, age, body size or shape, pregnancy, sexual orientation, biological gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender reassignment, disability, political ideology, or marital status. All are equal in our eyes. Our mission is for everyone – birthing with the power of love that makes birth for the baby one of feeling safe and nurtured and the mother empowered and transformed.

We offer education and support for all people and their families including certain groups who suffer greater risks for mothers and babies at birth. We build awareness through education that is truthful, and guides the right actions, to create peaceful and loving, nonviolent birth outcomes for all. These values guide our intentions and help us to continue as an organization to develop awareness of different cultures and contexts. 

BWI birth professionals are trained to play a unique role using Human Values when working with families and communities, as well as with healthcare and medical professionals, organizations, and corporations. They know how to listen and understand both sides, so there can be true learning, responsibility taken, and new possibilities that bring respect to all. We believe every person, every parent, and every baby deserves the most loving, compassionate care, evidence-based information, the right to privacy and to understand informed consent, and the space and time to ask questions, to consider all options fully, not to be rushed, and to make informed decisions. We believe every pregnant mother has the right to options and choices to find her own way to the place she feels safest to give birth and the providers who will support her needs through the process. Our commitment to education, training, support, and our organizational work context are the same for everyone.

All those who come to BirthWorks from communities around the world, experience birth as a beautiful, memorable part of life regardless of the outcome, because here, there is no discrimination – only love.

Have a Question? Let’s Chat.

Please don’t hesitate to reach us, happy to be in touch.

Cristin Tighe
Executive Director & International Coordinator
info@birthworks.org
1-609-953-9380
1-202-276-3521 Mobile/WhatsApp