WFC Closes Book on ICA Complaint; Finds Little Merit

On April 29, 2019, the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) filed a formal complaint with the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) based on presentations made at the WFC's 2019 Biennial Congress in Berlin. The ICA alleged "violations of the WFC 'Principles of governance for WFC office holders'" citing an "anti-subluxation attitude, put on public display on the world stage that undermines the profession globally."

In its complaint, the ICA emphasized that any attitude or statements at the Berlin congress by WFC officers "that the practice of vitalistic, subluxation-oriented chiropractic is unscientific and not evidenced-based is a false premise that must be immediately renounced by the WFC on behalf of many of its member national associations";1 and requested that:

1. "The current Chair of the WFC Research Council be immediately removed from his current position and denied future participation in any activities on behalf of the WFC.
2. "An additional member of the WFC Research Council be publicly reprimanded and sanctioned and prohibited from the opportunity to serve in any leadership role at the WFC for at least 5 years.
3. "The sponsoring organization that coordinated, reviewed and permitted the alleged questionable presentations be sanctioned for conduct not reflecting the professional, inclusive and collegial respect for the values embedded in the WFC Strategic Plan, Governing Documents and the WFC Official Policy Statements."

In its seven-page reply, the WFC did not agree with how the ICA characterized the presentations in question. Specifically, the WFC stated several times that its board, which was present at the Berlin congress, had "no recollection" of various points made in the ICA's complaint. The WFC ultimately stated:

"In all of the circumstances, the (WFC) Board does not consider that the removal as the Chair of the Research Committee is warranted or proportionate."

In its response, the WFC concluded that it "does not condone disrespectful dialogue, or statements of a religious nature likely to cause offence, whether on its stage or elsewhere. However, it does support the principle of academic freedom in debates and discussions at Congresses involving all quarters of the profession and believes that by open debate the profession may mature and advance."

In an extremely detailed 23-page response to the WFC response on Jan. 21, 2020, the ICA presented additional information arguing that its characterization of the presentations was indeed accurate.

While there are surprisingly no official videos or audio recordings of the presentations, the ICA did produce several photographs that appear to contradict the reply provided by the WFC in the federation's deliberation of the ICA's original complaint.

The ICA asked the WFC to review its assessment of the issues raised in the complaint and invited "the WFC to reconsider its initial response." The ICA again contended:

"In the ICA's opinion, appropriate action would be for the WFC to sanction the presenters by removing them from their WFC positions. In addition, the divisive assertions that were made by them should be disclaimed by the WFC by clarifying its policies in this area."

The WFC provided its final reply to the ICA regarding the association's allegations on April 27, 2020, almost exactly a year after the ICA filed its complaint. In the reply, the WFC Board rejected "the assertion that it misunderstood the nature of the ICA's complaint." The WFC further stated that it "is welcoming of a diverse range of approaches and recognize that chiropractors may exhibit a range of philosophical beliefs that may influence their particular approaches to care."

In its final reply, the WFC also informed the ICA that "The Board does not consider there to be merit in responding further to the issues raised in your correspondence. We consider the matter closed."

Editor's Note: Click here for access to the ICA complaint and subsequent correspondence between the ICA and WFC referenced in this article.