Putting up a baby for adoption in Bakersfield
Thinking of giving your baby up for adoption?
If you are considering adoption for your baby, we are here to support and assist you as you explore your options. We try not to use terms like “put up” or “give up” because those words have nothing to do with how we feel about the courageous choice of adoptive placement. However, these are also the most frequently used search terms for researching adoption and we want this information to reach everyone who needs it.
This page provides you with local resources and information about Pregnancy Resource Centers, Pregnancy Clinics/Family Planning providers, and hospitals in Bakersfield or around Kern County with birthing centers.
We have additional information and resources for all of California on our California State Page.
Pregnancy Resource Centers in and near Bakersfield, California
If you think that you may be pregnant, having it confirmed as early as possible is important for both you and your baby. Pregnancy Resource Centers, sometimes also called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” are usually not-for-profit clinics where you can go to take a free pregnancy test. If the test shows that you are pregnant, you can get a document (Proof of Pregnancy) that confirms this. The Proof of Pregnancy document is needed if you plan to apply for Medi-Cal coverage for your prenatal care.
Most Pregnancy Resource Centers are not staffed by medical personnel, and do not distribute contraceptives. Many are connected to pro-life organizations, so they are going to encourage you to either parent or consider adoption, however not all are religious. Pregnancy Resource Centers (or Crisis Pregnancy Centers) located in Kern County and near Bakersfield, California are:
- Bakersfield Pregnancy Center
- Pregnancy Resource Center of the Kern River Valley (760-379-8893)
Pregnancy Clinics and Low Cost Clinics Serving Bakersfield, California
Pregnancy Clinics have a medical staff so can address most areas of prenatal care and family planning. They can perform STD and cancer screenings (pap smears, and sometimes mammograms), and can prescribe and distribute birth control. The clinics located near Bakersfield that provide prenatal care in Kern County are:
Information about health coverage for pregnancy care that you may qualify for can be found at Covered California.
Hospitals In Bakersfield And The Surrounding Kern County Area With Birthing Centers
There are four hospitals in or near Bakersfield, California that have birthing centers:
- Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Kern Medical Center
- Mercy Hospital Downtown
Additional Local Resources
Legal Considerations
If you want to read more about adoption laws and regulations in both the United States and California, please visit our Adoption in California page.
Adoption Information If You Are Pregnant in Bakersfield, California
You may have thought about adoption for your baby, or are still considering it, but are not sure where to start. We are here to assist you if you have questions about adoption or want to explore if it might be right for you and your baby.