Inspired by elephants who give birth in a circle of protection and support, we believe every birthing person and family deserves support throughout the perinatal period.
We use our expertise in health systems, legal systems, and the perinatal period to tackle systemic power and oppression with strategies for change and resilience. We educate, coach, support, and fund individuals and organizations to create a more equitable system of perinatal care.
"Elephant Circle is an amazing addition to Colorado!"
"Elephant Circle doulas saved my life. I am so thankful to have had advocacy throughout my labor and beyond."
"Thank you for all the advocacy you do on behalf of Coloradans! Your broad understanding of the issues alongside a depth of knowledge about perinatal health systems is a unique offering of Elephant Circle."
"I appreciate and am grateful for the anti-racism work Elephant Circle does."
"I cannot tell you guys how much it means to me that you were willing to speak with me and share contacts with me, without the fee, and without knowing me at all. It is kindness and a sort of faith in a person that you rarely see anymore and it really warms my heart… Thank you for existing! What you are doing to preserve the rights of midwifes, doulas, pregnant women, and infants is truly amazing, moving and inspiring. Please never give up this fight."
"I could tell them my feelings about things along the way, and was supported and guided to find my own voice."
"I want to express how much I appreciate your time effort and assistance in my case. I love the work you are doing outside of my specific case, the meaningful and powerful changes you are effecting in society are so important. I am humbled and so grateful you have taken the time to not only assist me but to make it affordable and allow me to make payments. I hope someday I will be able to donate to your efforts in the greater community of women's rights."
At Elephant Circle, our mission is to ensure that every birthing person is given a circle of support, inspiring self-determination while promoting equity throughout the entire perinatal journey. We believe every individual is deserving of safety, and unconditional love during one of life's most vulnerable experiences. We envision a world where birth justice is universal—a world where dignity and equity surround every birth, bringing a sense of joy and resilience to families and communities. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering empowerment, we create pathways for change, leveraging expertise in health and legal systems to amplify voices and save lives. Together, we are building a future where care and justice enrich every birth story.
Founded in 2009 with sponsorship from the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, Elephant Circle has been at the forefront of birth and reproductive justice, driven by a commitment to innovation, equity, and systemic change. Our work has embraced a broad range of issues, always with a focus on learning, experimenting, and advancing justice.
A History of Impactful Initiatives
Supporting Birth Workers of Color: Implementing a method of financial support for birth workers of color, ongoing since our inception (2009–present).
Empowering Young Mothers: Offering childbirth preparation classes using the midwifery model for teen women of color (2010–2011).
Advancing Reproductive Rights: Developing anti-shackling legislation to protect pregnant individuals in custody (2010).
Advocating for Midwifery: Establishing Delivering Natural Care for Families, a consumer coalition for midwifery legislation (2011).
Uplifting Incarcerated Survivors: Facilitating a group for incarcerated women at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility, focusing on initiating social change (2011–2014).
Promoting Civic Engagement: Collaborating with Forward Together to create a voter guide centered on the Executive Branch (2014).
Navigating Policy Change: Coordinating the Colorado Birth Center Coalition through the Birth Center Rulemaking process (2015–2016).
Ongoing Commitments to Justice and Equity
Our work continues to evolve, focusing on national and local advocacy efforts that address race, gender, and sexual orientation equity. Initiatives include:
Collaborating with national organizations to improve access and equity (2014–present).
Establishing and maintaining the Birth Rights Bar Association to advance legal protections in perinatal care (2014–present).
Developing curriculum on topics ranging from criminal justice reform to pregnancy and cannabis use to anti-racism education (2009–present).
Fostering innovative approaches to regulatory law while partnering with and employing individuals from underrepresented communities, including LGBTQAUI individuals, gender nonconforming people, caregivers, and parents (2009–present).
Legislative Advocacy for Birth Equity
Our commitment to addressing inequities and protecting human rights culminated in the passage of the Birth Equity Package in Colorado’s 2021 legislative session. Elephant Circle led the efforts to secure landmark bills:
SB21-193: Focusing on improving maternal health outcomes.
SB21-194: Addressing systemic inequities in perinatal care.
SB21-101: Expanding access to midwifery care.
These efforts reflect our mission to build a more just and equitable perinatal care system for all.
Organization name
Elephant Circle
2009
Tax id (EIN)
47-1648218
Category
Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
3548 G RdHeadquarters
3548 G RdCO, US