In a bold step toward expanding life-affirming choices for young women, newly elected Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo (R-Corona) has introduced AB 329, a bill aimed at ensuring that adoption is presented as a viable and empowering option for teens facing unplanned pregnancies. This legislation marks Castillo’s first bill in the California State Assembly and aligns with her campaign motto: Faith, Family, Freedom.
Castillo was inspired to introduce the bill after a meeting with Terri Marcroft, Executive Director of Unplanned Good, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting adoption as a third option beyond abortion and parenting. The bill’s core mission is to ensure that adoption is fairly and thoroughly discussed in public school health education curricula.
“Adoption is a worthy option that is often overlooked in discussions about unplanned pregnancies,” Assemblywoman Castillo stated. “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.”
A Missing Piece in Education
Under current California law, sex education courses have to discuss parenting, abortion, and adoption, but most curricula only mentions the option briefly or provides minimal information. AB 329 seeks to change that.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Ensuring adoption is presented as an equal and viable option alongside parenting and other family planning options.
- Providing information on the emotional, legal, and financial aspects of adoption.
- Offering resources for teens to connect with licensed adoption agencies and counseling services.
Marcroft, who sponsored the bill, highlighted the need for better adoption education in schools.
“There are almost 2 million couples waiting in this country waiting to adopt. Every adoption agency has a long list of couples who’ve been vetted and approved background checked that are ready to adopt,” she explained. But Marcroft says young women facing unplanned pregnancy rarely even consider adoption because they don’t know much about it or how it has changed over the years.
An adoptive mother herself, Marcroft founded Unplanned Good after discovering that less than 1% of women in crisis pregnancies choose adoption. She points to a major issue: society has largely conditioned young women to believe their only choices are parenting or abortion.
“Adoption has changed so much in the last 25 years that people just really don’t know about open adoption, she added. “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.”
California Family Council Backs the Bill
The California Family Council (CFC) has expressed strong support for AB 329. Greg Burt, Vice President of CFC, praised Castillo for her leadership on this critical issue.
“For too long, California schools have ignored adoption in their sex education curricula, leading students to believe abortion is the best and easiest option,” Burt said. “AB 329 ensures that students get the full picture when facing an unplanned pregnancy. We fully support Assemblywoman Castillo’s efforts to promote a culture of life, family, and informed decision-making.”
A Life-Affirming Alternative
Advocates say that AB 329 could significantly change how young women approach unplanned pregnancies. According the Unplanned Good, research shows that when a trusted adult presents adoption as a possibility, the likelihood of a young woman choosing it increases by 50%.
The bill also aims to destigmatize adoption, educating students on how modern adoptions work, including the birth mother’s right to choose an adoptive family based on race, religion, lifestyle, or parenting approach. This empowers young women to make a decision that aligns with their values and future goals.
A New Dawn for Pro-Life Legislation in California
With a legislature that often skews heavily toward abortion-friendly policies, AB 329 represents a rare and much-needed effort to promote life-affirming choices for pregnant teens beyond the current state-sanctioned narrative. By elevating adoption, Castillo’s bill ensures that no woman feels forced into a decision due to lack of knowledge or resources.
AB 329 will now head to the California State Assembly’s Education Committee for consideration. Pro-life and adoption advocates are urging constituents to support the bill by contacting their legislators.
Take Action
Contact your Assemblymember and urge them to support AB 329. Every woman deserves to know all her options—including the beautiful choice of adoption.
