CBC Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Safety Policy

1. Discrimination

A. The Cincinnati Birth Center does not tolerate, under any circumstances, without exception, any form of client or employment discrimination based on, race, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE), religion (creed), national origin (ancestry), disability, physical, or cognitive ability, victimization of domestic violence, socio-economic status, health status, HIV status, employment status, immigration status, marital status, military/veteran status or any other status protected by law.

B. This aforementioned discrimination, described in paragraph 1, encapsulates both positive discrimination (giving favor to categories of individuals over others) and negative discrimination (giving less favor to categories of individuals over others). 

C. The Cincinnati Birth Center does not allow clients, under any circumstances, without exception, to request sole, favorable, or restricted communication, interactions, or partnerships with employees based on their identity/status (paragraph 1). It is to be understood that any client of the Cincinnati Birth Center is willing to work with all members of its staff, within their legal right, at any time. 

D. Employees of the Cincinnati Birth Center, including all birthing and office staff members, have the right, under company review, to terminate any client relationship if such discrimination occurs. This includes, but is not limited to, direct and indirect actions towards staff or other current, future, or past clients.

E. If for any reason, a client, interacting member(s) of their household, or participating party does not feel that this policy can be followed, we urge that you seek alternative services outside of the Cincinnati Birth Center’s care. 

2. Harassment

A. Harassment of any is not tolerated while working with the Cincinnati Birth Center. This includes but is not limited to harassment based on race, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE), religion (creed), national origin (ancestry), disability, physical, or cognitive ability, victimization of domestic violence, socio-economic status, health status, HIV status, employment status, immigration status, marital status, military/veteran status or any other status protected by law.

B. All forms of physical, sexual, verbal, retaliatory, online, psychological, power/status, quid quo pro, personal harassment, and all other forms of harassment are strictly prohibited and will, under company review, result in the severance of the client to company relationship. Depending on the severity, further legal action may be required.

C. If for any reason, a client, interacting member(s) of their household, or participating party does not feel that this policy can be followed, we urge that you seek alternative services outside of the Cincinnati Birth Center’s care

3. Employee Safety and Protection

A. The Cincinnati Birth Center has the right, under company review, to terminate a client's contract at will if any member of its staff at any point feels that they are at risk of personal harm (physical or psychological), injury, or affecting their general wellbeing. 

B. Any staff member employed through the Cincinnati Birth Center has the right to refuse entry or exit a visited property, or place of birth if they feel their safety or personal wellbeing is at risk. The right to refuse entry or leave must fall under discrimination, harassment, or safety guidelines (Section 1&2). If an employee feels that they have been violated under these guidelines by a client or interacting member of the household, further action may be taken under company review.

3. Child Safety and Protection

A. Certified midwives/doulas of the Cincinnati Birth Center have the right to contact child protective services if a member of staff knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, neglected, or abused, or that a child is a victim of any form of human trafficking.