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Unplanned Pregnancy Help by State

Facing pregnancy alone in CA? Discover your options, legal rights, and resources—including how adoption works without the father's support.

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I’m Pregnant With No Support From the Father in California — Can I Choose Adoption?

Learning you’re pregnant without the father’s support can feel overwhelming. Whether he’s ignoring you, you’re not in a relationship with him, or you don’t know who the father is, you’re facing this moment alone — and that’s scary.

But here’s what you need to know: pregnant with no support from the father doesn’t mean you’re without options. You have rights, you have choices, and support is available to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Thousands of women in California face unplanned pregnancies without paternal support every year. With the right guidance, you can receive financial assistance during your pregnancy, access free counseling, and — if adoption feels right — choose a loving family for your baby while maintaining the connection you want.

There’s someone waiting to listen without judgment. Contact an adoption professional for free, confidential support tailored to your unique situation.

Pregnant With No Support From the Father in California? You’re Not Alone

Finding out you’re pregnant with no support from the father can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain about what comes next. Maybe the father is ignoring your calls. Maybe you’re pregnant and not in a relationship with the father and never planned to be.

 Or perhaps you’re pregnant and don’t know who the father is at all. Whatever your circumstances, these feelings — the fear, the confusion, the weight of making this decision alone — are completely valid.

The truth is, the father’s level of involvement (or lack thereof) will influence some of the practical steps you’ll need to take. California law does provide protections for birth mothers, but understanding your rights starts with understanding your options.

What Are My Options If I’m Pregnant and Alone?

When you’re pregnant with no support, it’s easy to feel like your choices are limited. They’re not. You have three primary options:

1. Parenting

Raising your child is always an option, even as a single parent. California offers resources like CalWORKs (cash assistance), CalFresh (food assistance), Medi-Cal (healthcare coverage), and childcare subsidies to help.

2. Abortion

Abortion is legal in California, and the state protects access to reproductive healthcare. If you’re early in your pregnancy, this may be an option to consider. It’s a deeply personal decision, and only you can determine what feels right for your body and your future.

3. Adoption

California, you can choose the adoptive family, stay connected through open adoption if you wish, and receive financial support throughout your pregnancy. Adoption doesn’t mean saying goodbye forever; it means saying yes to a different kind of relationship with your child.

Can I Choose Adoption Without the Father’s Involvement in California?

Yes — in many cases, you can. But the specifics depend on your situation.

California law requires that both birth parents consent to adoption, unless the father’s parental rights have been legally terminated or he has abandoned the child. Here’s what that means:

How Does Adoption Work If I Don’t Know Who the Father Is?

If you’re pregnant and don’t know who the father is, adoption is still absolutely possible.

In California, when paternity is unknown, you’ll work with your adoption attorney to complete a legal affidavit affirming that the father’s identity cannot be reasonably determined.

This document becomes part of your adoption plan and allows the process to move forward without requiring paternal consent.

Once the affidavit is filed, you’ll move through the rest of the adoption process:

Can I Still Choose Adoption If the Father Disagrees?

Yes, but it may require additional legal steps.

If you’re pregnant and not in a relationship with the father but he’s aware of the pregnancy and opposes adoption, California law requires his consent or the termination of his parental rights. This doesn’t mean adoption is impossible — it means you’ll need legal support to navigate the process.

Your adoption attorney will work to demonstrate that adoption serves the child’s best interests. If the father has been absent, unsupportive, or unable to provide for the child, the court may terminate his rights even without his consent.

In California, an alleged father who hasn’t established paternity or provided support during the pregnancy may have limited legal standing to contest an adoption.

Keep records of any communication (or lack thereof) with the father, any financial support provided or refused, and any statements he’s made about his intentions. This information helps build your case.

What Support Is Available for Single Pregnant Women in California?

If you’re facing pregnancy alone, California offers numerous resources to help you through this time:

Financial Assistance Programs:

Housing Support:

Healthcare and Emotional Support:

Adoption Agencies in California

If you’re considering adoption, working with a licensed agency can provide guidance, support, and resources throughout your pregnancy and beyond:

Is Adoption the Right Path for Me and My Baby?

Only you can answer that question. But we can tell you what adoption is — and what it isn’t.

Adoption isn’t giving up. It’s making an intentional, loving decision to provide your child with a life you may not feel equipped to offer right now.

When you choose adoption through a licensed agency in California, here’s what you can expect:

How to Cope Emotionally With an Unsupported Pregnancy

Feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, or sad is completely normal when you’re pregnant with no support. These emotions don’t make you weak — they make you human.

One of the most important things you can do right now is build or lean into a support system. If the birth father isn’t providing that support, look to the people and resources that can:

Support Groups and Hotlines:

Online Communities:

Next Steps: Who to Call, Where to Go, and How to Get Clarity

You’ve read through the options. You’ve considered your circumstances. Maybe you’re still unsure, or maybe one path is starting to feel right. Either way, you don’t need to have everything figured out today.

What you need is someone to talk to — someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you explore your options without judgment or pressure. If you’re pregnant with no support from the father in California, reaching out for guidance is the first step toward clarity.

Whether you’re leaning toward parenting, abortion, or adoption, speaking with a trained options counselor can help you sort through your thoughts, understand your rights, and make a decision that feels right for you.

Imagine having the weight lifted — just from one conversation. Connect with an adoption professional who can answer your questions, walk you through the process, and provide the support you deserve — at no cost to you.

You don’t have to face this alone. Help is available, and it starts with a conversation.