CV NEWS FEED // California Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo, R-Corona, has introduced a bill to ensure that adoption is presented as a meaningful alternative for teens facing unplanned pregnancies.
AB 329, the first piece of legislation from the newly elected lawmaker, seeks to expand education on adoption in public school health curricula, California Family Council (CFC) reported.
Introduced in January, the bill would ensure that young women receive comprehensive information about adoption, including its emotional, legal, and financial aspects, as well as access to licensed adoption agencies and counseling services.
“Adoption is a worthy option that is often overlooked in discussions about unplanned pregnancies,” Castillo said. “This bill empowers teens with knowledge about the adoption process, connecting them to resources and support so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their futures.”
Under current California law, sex education courses are required to mention adoption alongside abortion and parenting. However, advocates argue that adoption is often given minimal attention or presented in an outdated manner.
Terri Marcroft, executive director of the nonprofit Unplanned Good, which advocates for adoption, sponsored the bill. She stressed the importance of providing more comprehensive and accurate education on the topic.
“Adoption has changed so much in the last 25 years that people just really don’t know about open adoption,” she said. “They don’t understand how much healthier it is these days, how much more transparent it is, and how many of the decisions the pregnant woman gets to make.”
Research cited by CFC indicates that young women are 50% more likely to consider adoption when a trusted adult introduces it as a viable option.
The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the California State Assembly’s Education Committee.
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