Life-Affirming Specialist Designation
Professional designation, continuing education, and renewal resources for those serving faithfully in life-affirming ministries.
Why the LAS designation matters
Heartbeat International has developed a professional designation for those working in Life-Affirming Ministries. Having the Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) designation will provide you with credibility when working with clients. Its purpose is to show that you have studied and are aware of the latest research and findings surrounding life affirming information and training.
A Life-Affirming Specialist (LAS) has up-to-date training on information surrounding pregnancy, abortion, abortion recovery, client programs, sexual integrity and other related life affirming issues.
After you fulfill the training requirements, apply to receive and/or maintain your LAS designation by completing and signing the application. Please note that applicants are not automatically assigned training, nor are trainees automatically designated. An application and fee are required.
Professional Credibility
The LAS designation behind your name provides you with professional credibility when working with clients.
Current Training
Participate in on-going training on the latest information surrounding pregnancy and related life-affirming issues.
Ministry Excellence
Developed specifically for those serving faithfully in the pregnancy help movement.
Recognized Designation
Example: Sarah Smith, LAS
Life-Affirming Specialist Requirements
This professional designation was developed for people working in life-affirming ministries. Those eligible must have completed the requirements as stated below.
Person has received HB training: L.O.V.E. Approach, all chapters or attended the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute –OR–If person has not had L.O.V.E. Approach training or attended the New Directors track but can provide proof of training from a ministry that abides by the Commitment of Care and Competence the first requirement has been met.
Person has two years of consistent experience in a Life-Affirming Ministry: Pregnancy Resource Center, Medical Clinic, Maternity Home, Abortion Recovery, and/or Adoption Agency.
Person attended the Annual Heartbeat International Conference (14 hours minimum) or future qualified Heartbeat International conference or training. Fourteen conference hours may come from: Seven hours of key notes, seven hours of workshops and/or seven hours of an in-depth day training.
Person has received Heartbeat training: L.O.V.E. Approach training and all chapters completed or completed the New Directors track at Pregnancy Help Institute.
Must receive a minimum of 14 hours qualified Heartbeat International training every two years to maintain LAS Designation available online.
Designation Training
To get started, you can now meet 2/3 of the training requirements through Heartbeat International Academy's course Life-Affirming Specialist Designation. This course offers more than fourteen hours of instruction on key topics anyone involved in life-affirming ministry should know, including abortion, adoption, peer counseling skills, fetal development, sexual integrity, and (most importantly!) the Biblical basis for why we are pro-life. Each course is taught by carefully selected instructors and points to several resources for additional information.
At the conclusion of this training, you will have earned 14 hours of approved LAS credit, and will be able to demonstrate that you have met the LOVE Approach peer counseling training requirement. This means that you'll have met 2/3 of the qualifications for Life-Affirming Specialists just with this one course. This course is offered for only $115.95. Heartbeat affiliates and individuals associated with affiliated centers receive an additional discount!
Course Price
Earn approved LAS credit and complete major qualification requirements through one comprehensive course.
Register TodayRenewal
As part of the renewal for your Life-Affirming Specialist designation, you are required to earn fourteen hours of continuing education credit at an approved training event, such as an onsite training or Heartbeat's Annual Conference. Heartbeat has made it even easier for you to renew your Life-Affirming Specialist designation by offering CEU's for most of our courses and webinars.
Download Renewal ApplicationLAS Credit Through Online Learning
If you are a Life-Affirming Specialist, you can earn enough CEU's for renewal online! Once you've completed a course through Heartbeat Academy, you should receive a badge for LAS credit within 10 minutes. If you have questions about a badge not being awarded or need assistance, you can always reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Become a Life-Affirming Specialist