Why Sanctuary?
An increasing body of research links the quality of our birth experiences as individuals and as a culture to the quality of our collective lives. Further, outcomes for babies and mothers in the U.S. in lag behind scores of other countries, with worse infant mortality rates and higher rates of maternal complications. Sanctuary for Birth and Wellness, a free-standing birth and wellness center being born in the San Jose (California) area, seeks to expand women's options regarding childbirth beyond either birthing at home or in hospital. We also seek to provide the vital family support services that result in better health outcomes.

Organizations worldwide such as Birthing the Future, Birth Works, and the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth seek to return birth to its place as part of the circle of life rather than as part of a medical problem.

Our Vision
A thriving community through gentle birth and open-hearted healthcare for all women.

Our Mission
To promote the physical, emotional, and social health of the community through responsive and humane birth and wellness care that affirms the inner wisdom of women and families.

Our Core Belief
When women give birth gently and families actively participate in their own health and well-being, the community is stronger and healthier.

Our Goals
To ensure that every woman is fully informed of her options and participates in decisions regarding her care and the care of her baby; To allow birth to unfold in a setting that honors parents' wishes and intuitions; To pursue better-than-average outcomes for mothers and babies; To help families integrate birth as part of the their continuum of experience and part of the community.