Abortion laws and services can differ significantly from state to state in the U.S. In California, the right to an abortion is safeguarded, and a multitude of providers offer both in-person and virtual services to residents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the abortion laws in California, the services offered, and a detailed list of providers available. The simplicity of language used throughout the article ensures it is accessible to all readers, regardless of their familiarity with the subject matter.
Is Abortion Legal in California?
Yes, abortion is legal in California.
In the state of California, abortion is permissible until “viability”. Viability refers to the point in a pregnancy when a fetus has developed sufficiently to survive outside the womb with medical help. Typically, this stage is around 24 to 26 weeks into the pregnancy. The commencement of your pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual cycle.
Legal Parameters of Abortion in California
In the state of California, it is legal to have an abortion if your pregnancy has not yet reached the viability stage. As previously mentioned, viability is the stage at which the fetus could potentially survive outside of the womb with medical help, usually around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. The development rate and thus viability differs from pregnancy to pregnancy, and your healthcare provider can assist in determining viability.
For minors seeking an abortion, parental consent is not required. If you are under the age of 18, you can consent to an abortion on your own and do not need to inform your parents to receive abortion services in California.
Abortion Laws Summary in California
No Waiting Period:
Unlike some states, California does not require a mandatory waiting period or counselling before an abortion can take place.
Parental Involvement Not Required:
If you’re under 18, you can consent to an abortion without parental involvement or notification.
Available Until Viability:
In California, abortion is permissible until viability, which typically occurs around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. Each provider may have different limits on the stages of pregnancy they are willing to perform abortions, so be sure to check with each provider.
Exceptions allowing abortion post-viability may apply in cases where the procedure is necessary to save the life of the pregnant person, or to preserve their general health, including mental health.
Abortion Providers in California
There are numerous virtual and in-person providers offering abortion services in California.
Virtual Providers Serving California
| Provider | Stage Limit | Services | Age Limit | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abortion on Demand | 10 weeks, 0 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | 18+ | abortionondemand.org |
| Aid Access | 12 weeks, 0 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | 13+ | aidaccess.org |
| Choices Rising | 10 weeks, 0 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | 15+ | choicesrising.com |
| Choix | 10 weeks, 5 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | 15+ | choixhealth.com |
| FPA Women’s Health – Telehealth | 8 weeks, 6 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pill pickup | 13+ | fpawomenshealth.com/abortion/abortion-mail |
| Hey Jane | 10 weeks, 0 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | 18+ | heyjane.com |
| Luna Flow Health | 10 weeks, 6 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | 13+ | lunaflowhealth.com |
| MYA Network | 10 weeks, 0 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | 18+ | myanetwork.org |
| Sunny | 9 weeks, 5 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | 16+ | mysunnyhealth.com |
| Twentyeight Health | 10 weeks, 0 days | telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | 18+ | twentyeighthealth.com/abortion-pills |
In-Person California Providers
| City | Provider | Stage Limit | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alhambra | Planned Parenthood – Alhambra Health Center | 11 weeks, 0 days | 330 S. Garfield Ave., 3rd Fl. – Suite 300, Alhambra, CA | (626) 798-0706 |
| Anaheim | Planned Parenthood – Anaheim Health Center | 11 weeks, 0 days | 303 W. Lincoln Avenue, Suite 105, Anaheim, CA | (714) 922-4100 |
| Antioch | Planned Parenthood – Antioch Health Center | 10 weeks, 0 days | 1104 Buchanan Road, Suite C10, Antioch, CA | (925) 754-4550 |
| Arcadia | Women’s First Choice | 10 weeks, 0 days | 622 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia, CA | (626) 605-6995 |
| Bakersfield | FPA Women’s Health – Bakersfield | 18 weeks, 6 days | 2500 H Street, Bakersfield, CA | (661) 633-5266 |
| Bakersfield | Planned Parenthood – Bakersfield Health Center | 17 weeks, 6 days | 2633 16th Street, Bakersfield, CA | (661) 634-1000 |
| Baldwin Park | Planned Parenthood – Baldwin Park Center | 11 weeks, 6 days | 4070 Sterling Way, Baldwin Park, CA | (626) 798-0706 |
| Burbank | Planned Parenthood – Burbank Health Center | 10 weeks, 0 days | 916 W Burbank Blvd., Suite M, Burbank, CA | (800) 576-5544 |
| Canoga Park | FPA Women’s Health – Canoga Park | 10 weeks, 0 days | 7023 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park, CA | (818) 444-9870 |
| Canoga Park | Planned Parenthood – Canoga Park Health Center | 10 weeks, 0 days | 21001 Sherman Way, Suite 9, Canoga Park, CA | (800) 576-5544 |
For the full list of in-person providers, it’s best to consult local directories or health department resources.
FAQs
1. Is abortion legal in California?
Yes, abortion is legal in California and can be performed until the point of “viability,” which is usually around 24 to 26 weeks into the pregnancy.
2. Do I need my parents’ consent to get an abortion if I’m under 18?
No, in California, minors can consent to an abortion without parental involvement.
3. Is there a waiting period for abortions in California?
No, there is no mandatory waiting period or requirement for counseling before an abortion can take place in California.
4. What is “viability” and how is it determined?
Viability is the stage of pregnancy when a fetus has developed enough to survive outside of the womb with medical help. It typically happens around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy. A healthcare provider can determine whether a pregnancy has reached viability.
5. Are there exceptions to the viability rule for abortions in California?
Yes, exceptions may be allowed in cases where the abortion is necessary to save the pregnant person’s life or to preserve their general health, including mental health.
6. Where can I get an abortion in California?
There are numerous in-person and virtual providers that offer abortion services in California. Please refer to the provider tables above for more information.