Originating in the early 1990’s, the “Commitment of Care” was formally adopted by major U.S. pregnancy help affiliation organizations in January 2001. Focusing primarily on positive client care, these ethical codes of practice dispelled the abortion activists’ false accusations and formed the basis for strong client services approval ratings.

Robust growth of pregnancy help efforts in specific – and non-profit entities in general – has brought additional scrutiny of these organizations. In response, the Leadership Alliance of Pregnancy Care Organizations (LAPCO), added new basic standards for organizational competency. Integrating these ethical codes of practice into the existing client-care elements produced the expanded document now known as the “Commitment of Care and Competence.”

Introduced in 2009 and updated in 2019, this commitment to ethical practices is the core standard for affiliation for all major life-affirming pregnancy help affiliate groups. We encourage affiliates to print the Commitment of Care and Competence and hang it up in your lobby.

• Clients are served without regard to age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation, disability or other arbitrary circumstances.
• Clients are treated with kindness, compassion and in a caring manner.
• Clients always receive honest and open answers.
• Client pregnancy tests are distributed and administered in accordance with all applicable laws.
• Client information is held in strict and absolute confidence. Releases and permissions are obtained appropriately. Client information is only disclosed as required by law and when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm.
• Clients receive accurate information about pregnancy, fetal development, lifestyle issues, and related concerns.
• We do not offer, recommend or refer for abortions, abortifacients or contraceptives. We are committed to offering accurate information about related risks and procedures.
• All of our advertising and communication are truthful and honest and accurately describe the services we offer.
• We provide a safe environment by screening all volunteers and staff interacting with clients.
• We are governed by a board of directors and operate in accordance with our articles of incorporation, by-laws, and stated purpose and mission.
• We comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements regarding employment, fundraising, financial management, taxation, and public disclosure, including the filing of all applicable government reports in a timely manner.
• Medical services are provided in accordance with all applicable laws, and in accordance with pertinent medical standards, under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician.
• All of our staff, board members, and volunteers receive appropriate training to uphold these standards.

Final language as approved by the Leadership Alliance of Pregnancy Care Organizations – 07/09/19

Download a copy of the Commitment of Care and Competence and hang it up at your center. 

Click here to access Heartbeat International's Raising the Standard course, which introduces organizations and their leaders to Our Commitment of Care and Competence.

Heartbeat Principles:

• Heartbeat affiliates propose and offer, through education and creative services, positive, life-affirming choices for the woman challenged by pregnancy.
• Heartbeat affiliates shall prefer and promote the value and place of sexual intimacy, children, and family building within marriage between one man and one woman.
• Heartbeat affiliates’ services are personal, confidential, and nonjudgmental.
• Heartbeat affiliates present alternatives to abortion without discriminating based on race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Heartbeat affiliates shall not advise, provide, or refer for abortion, abortifacients, or contraceptives.

Heartbeat Program Policies

• Heartbeat International does not promote abortion, abortifacients, or contraceptives.
• Heartbeat International does not promote birth control (devices or medications) for family planning, population control, or health issues, including disease prevention.
• Heartbeat International does promote God's Plan for our sexuality: marriage between one man and one woman, sexual intimacy, children, unconditional/unselfish love, and relationship with God must go together.
• Heartbeat International does promote sexual integrity/sexual purity before marriage and sexual integrity faithfulness within marriage.
• All Heartbeat International policies and materials are consistent with Biblical principles and with orthodox Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) ethical principles and teaching on the dignity of the human person and sanctity of human life.

Not all pregnancy centers offer medical services. If you have questions about the services offered at this pregnancy center, please ask to speak to a center representative.