World Chiropractic Alliance Position on the WFC

The World Chiropractic Alliance holds that no single chiropractic organization has the authority to regulate or speak for the profession as a whole and no chiropractic organization should take any action that would attempt to impose professional or educational standards on all members of the profession.

It is generally agreed that the chiropractic profession is comprised of two major classes of practitioners, those who are subluxation-based and those who are medically oriented. Although interpretations over these two general categories exist, few deny that the differences are profound and determine, in large part, the individual doctor's practice objective and methodology.

This view has been stated numerous times, by doctors representing each category. For example:

WCA President Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., a proponent of subluxation-based chiropractic, has stated, "The division of the profession into two camps -- subluxation-based and medically oriented -- is the most basic and fundamental characteristic of the chiropractic profession. Each category has different needs and goals and while some of these may be compatible, many are diametrically opposed."

Reed Phillips, D.C., member of the Mercy Conference Steering Committee, president of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, and spokesperson for the newly formed American Academy of Chiropractic Physicians, has stated, "There are at least two major philosophies of chiropractic: straight chiropractic, and health care that incorporates a broader view of what chiropractic physicians can and should provide their patients."

The World Chiropractic Alliance holds that, given such a basic and fundamental division within chiropractic, it is not possible for a single organization to fully represent the needs of the entire profession. In addition, no one organization has as its membership the majority of the chiropractors in practice.

Therefore, no organization can fairly represent the entire profession, and none should claim to do so when interacting with government officials, industry leaders, or the public.

The World Chiropractic Alliance further holds that the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has engaged in actions and made statements which demonstrate its desire and intent to establish itself as the sole or principle authority of chiropractic worldwide.

The WFC was founded by and its executive board is comprised of individuals who are steadfast proponents of the medically oriented segment of the chiropractic profession. These individuals include Mr. David-Chapman Smith, Louis Sportelli, D.C., Scott Haldeman, D.C., Reed Phillips, D.C., John Triano, D.C., and others -- either involved in the development of the Mercy Guidelines or vocal supporters of that document.

The WCA holds that the WFC does not represent the chiropractic profession in its entirety and therefore does not have and cannot claim any authority as an international "governing" body.

Further, the WCA holds that the WFC's "Tokyo Charter" which attempts to regulate the chiropractic educational system worldwide has no legitimacy and should be rejected by the profession.

The WFC's oft-repeated claim to represent the profession is commonly based on its list of "Constituent Members," which includes organizations in 70 countries. However, there is no evidence that these organizations, in turn, represent the majority of doctors in their respective nations. Acceptance as a WFC constituent member does not confer upon these groups any authority to regulate chiropractors practicing in their country.