Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Understanding your legal rights on top of that can make everything even more complicated. Whether you are processing the news or weighing your options, you deserve clear and compassionate information.
This guide walks you through the most important questions about abortion rights and pregnancy decision-making, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Is Abortion a Constitutionally Protected Right in California?
Yes, abortion is a constitutionally protected right in California.[1]
However, there are limitations on how far along you can receive an abortion in California. Currently, abortion is legal up until viability (approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy).[2][3]
Can You Be Forced to Get an Abortion?
No one has the right to force you to have an abortion — not a partner, a parent, a family member, an employer, or anyone else. Coercing someone into an abortion against their will is illegal in the United States and is considered reproductive coercion.
This protection works in every direction. Just as no one can force you to end a pregnancy, no one can force you to continue one (within legal limits). You alone make the final decision about your pregnancy.
If you’re feeling pressured by someone in your life, support is available. Call Bakersfield Pregnancy Center at (661) 326-1907.
What to Do Before Considering Abortion
Making a fully informed decision is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. That means gathering information, giving yourself time to reflect, and exploring every option before moving forward.
Here are two essential steps.
Step 1: Get an Ultrasound
Before making any decision about your pregnancy, you need to receive an ultrasound to find out how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is viable.
- Gestational Age: This refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s critical because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation (70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[4]
- Viability: An ultrasound determines whether your pregnancy is viable and growing inside the uterus by detecting the fetal heartbeat. If a heartbeat can’t be detected, it may mean a miscarriage (spontaneous loss of pregnancy) is occurring. This requires alternative medical care.
It could also mean the pregnancy is growing outside the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency care.
Bakersfield Pregnancy Center provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Schedule your appointment today.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Step 2: Explore All Three Pregnancy Options
Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy’s viability and gestational age, the next step is to genuinely explore all three options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Even if you feel pulled in one direction, learning about each path can help you feel more confident in your final decision.
Abortion
If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to:
- Receive an ultrasound first (to confirm viability and gestational age)
- Understand your abortion rights in California
- Understand the different types of abortion and how they work
- Understand the risks of abortion
- Consider how this decision could affect you mentally and emotionally
This decision should never be made under pressure or out of fear. Take time to ask questions and get answers from medical professionals before moving forward.
Adoption
Adoption means carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the child in the care of another family. There are three types: open, semi-open, and closed adoption. Each offers a different level of ongoing contact between you, the adoptive family, and the child.
Adoption is a deeply personal decision. Speaking with an adoption attorney or agency can help you understand the process, your rights before and after birth, and how to find a placement that fits your values.
Reaching out is not a commitment to an adoption plan. Not sure where to start? Bakersfield Pregnancy Center can connect you with trusted adoption partners.
Parenting
If you’re considering parenting, it helps to think honestly about your:
- Financial situation
- Support network
- Living circumstances
- Personal and professional goals
A lot must be considered, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Bakersfield Pregnancy Center offers free parenting classes and referrals for community resources, including health insurance, housing, prenatal care, and more.
Unplanned Pregnancy Support in Bakersfield, California
Understanding your abortion rights is the first step. Making a fully informed decision means seeking guidance from medical professionals and considering all of your options. You don’t have to make this choice alone.
Bakersfield Pregnancy Center is here to help. Call us at (661) 326-1907 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Abortion laws vary by state and are subject to change. Please consult a licensed medical provider or legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Additionally, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Historic California Constitutional Amendment Reinforcing Protections for Reproductive Freedom Goes Into Effect. Governor Gavin Newsom. (2022, December 21). https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/12/21/historic-california-constitutional-amendment-reinforcing-protections-for-reproductive-freedom-goes-into-effect/
- Executive Department, State of California. (2019, May 31). Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
- Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information