How to get an abortion in Bakersfield, CA

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If you’re in Bakersfield and need abortion care, you have safe, legal options. You can visit one of the city’s two in-person abortion clinics or choose the privacy of abortion pill delivery with Hey Jane. Virtual services bring FDA-approved medication straight to your door, dorm, or temporary address—making care accessible for students at Bakersfield College or anyone living in or traveling through Kern County.

This guide walks you through in-person vs at-home abortion care, financial options, travel tips, your legal rights in California, and how to avoid fake clinics.

Abortion is legal and protected in Bakersfield, CA

Abortion is legal in Bakersfield and across California. In fact, the state has some of the strongest abortion protections in the country.  Here’s what to know if you’re deciding between virtual abortion care with Hey Jane or visiting an in-person clinic. 

Eligibility criteria Virtual abortion care with Hey Jane (pills by mail) In-person abortion care (pills or procedure)
Age 18+ No legal restriction
Weeks into pregnancy* Up to 10 weeks Pills: Up to 10 weeks
Procedure: Viability (24–26 weeks)
Location Mailed anywhere in the state (residency not required) Physically located near a clinic (or able to travel to one)
Immigration status No immigration documentation required, just a valid ID. No immigration documentation required, though may be requested if trying to use Medicaid or public funds.
Gender identity Care is available to any pregnant person who meets clinical criteria, including trans men and non-binary patients.

*Measured from the first day of your last menstrual period.

You do not have to be a California resident to get care in Bakersfield. Whether you’re living in the area or traveling for care, you’re covered by state protections. Learn more in our California abortion state guide.

Bakersfield #1 virtual abortion provider

At-home vs. in-clinic abortion in California

Both virtual and in-person abortion options are safe and legal in California. But one may be a better fit depending on your schedule, location, or support system. However, because there are only 2 in-person abortion clinics in Bakersfield, it may be more convenient to get treatment delivered at home. Here’s what to know:

Feature Hey Jane (at home) In-clinic abortion
Timing Consult within 1 business day; medication delivered in 1–3 business days once prescribed Requires at least 1 visit, with variable wait times
Travel time None Depends on distance from clinic
Cost $299–$499 (or as low as $0 with insurance) for pills $612 (avg.) for pills and $885–$1,364* (avg) for a procedure
Privacy Fully private at home Public waiting rooms, potential protesters outside facility, in-person appointments
Packaging Shipped in a discreet, unmarked envelope Not applicable
Follow-up care Secure chat support, 24/7 urgent line, and ongoing check-ins Varies by clinic
Insurance & aid Select private insurance plans accepted + financial aid available May accept insurance; aid depends on clinic

*Prices may vary depending on provider, insurance coverage, and available assistance.

What is the abortion pill?

Medication abortion is an FDA-approved treatment to end pregnancies up to 10 weeks. It involves two medications:

  • Mifepristone, which stops the pregnancy from growing.
  • Misoprostol, taken 6 to 48 hours later, which causes the uterus to cramp and empty.

This process is up to 98% effective and considered safe for at-home use. Most complete it within 24–72 hours of the second pill, with symptoms easily managed at home like cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, and fatigue—similar to a heavy period. 

This treatment is very safe and is the most common way to have an abortion in the US. Despite popular myths, having an abortion does not increase your breast cancer risk, does not cause depression, and does not impact your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Learn more about how abortion pills work

What’s included in virtual abortion care with Hey Jane?

  • Consult with a  licensed provider in 1 business day over chat, phone, or video call
  • FDA-approved abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol)
  • Comfort meds for nausea and cramping
  • Step-by-step illustrated treatment guide
  • Free 2–3 day shipping in discreet packaging
  • Ongoing support via chat and 24/7 urgent medical line

Our abortion kit guide breaks down what you’ll receive and what to expect during the process.

Get everything you need for a comfortable at-home abortion

Abortion pill delivery is essential in Bakersfield, CA

There are almost 417,000 people living in Bakersfield, California, and yet there are only 2 in-person abortion clinics. Plus, there is at least 1 known fake clinic in the area. This intentionally makes it harder to get abortion care, which is exactly what fake clinics want to do. 

Given that there are so few options for in-person care in Bakersfield, access to virtual care is more important than ever. With providers like Hey Jane, you don’t have to guess whether a clinic is real or fake—Hey Jane delivers FDA-approved pills discreetly and privately to your home after you connect with a licensed provider. Plus, abortion pill delivery is often faster and less expensive than in-person care. 

That said, if you are looking for an in-person clinic, it’s important to know how to differentiate between a real facility and a fake one.  Read the following section for tips on how to spot fake clinics.

How to spot a fake clinic in Bakersfield, CA

Fake clinics, also called crisis pregnancy centers (CPC), may look like real medical facilities, but their goal is often to discourage people from having abortions, sometimes using guilt, scare tactics, or misleading information about risks and side effects. 

Knowing how to spot them can help you avoid delays and get the care you need. Here’s what to watch out for: 

  • They don’t list abortion services clearly
  • They won’t share pricing or timelines over the phone 
  • They advertise emotional “counseling” or “options education” 
  • They show up in Google Maps or online ads 
  • They pressure you to continue your pregnancy
  • They promote “abortion reversal” services

You can report fake clinics at exposefakeclinics.com to help protect other people seeking abortion care.

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Abortion clinics in and around Bakersfield, CA

If you prefer in-person care but can’t get an appointment locally, the next nearest options are in Lancaster and Tulare:

Location Distance from Bakersfield Number of clinics
Bakersfield, CA 2 clinics
Lancaster, CA ~74 miles South 2 clinics
Tulare, CA ~63 miles North 1 clinic

Use AbortionFinder.org to locate trusted, verified providers. 

How much does an abortion cost in Bakersfield?

It depends on factors like how far along you are, your provider, insurance coverage, and if you decide to get your abortion at a clinic or take abortion pills at home. Knowing these details upfront can help you plan and reduce stress during the process. 

Type of abortion Cost in California
Procedural in-clinic abortion $885 to $1,364*
Abortion pills with Hey Jane $299 to $499 (or as low as $0 with insurance)
Abortion pills (avg.) $612

*According to UCSF's Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) research 2017–2023. Costs range based on gestational age of pregnancy.

Will my insurance cover an abortion in Bakersfield?

Most likely, yes! California Senate Bill 245 states that health insurance plans, including both private insurance and Medi-Cal, cannot require individuals to pay any additional out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for abortion and abortion-related services. 

Hey Jane patients who get treatment in California can use Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Sana Benefits plans in California to cover the cost of abortion pills insurance plans to pay for their medication abortion. We're actively working to expand coverage.

H3: Other ways to pay for abortion care

We also offer income‑based sliding‑scale pricing for those paying out of pocket. Patients may also be eligible for “buy now, pay later” plans to break up payments and financial aid through our abortion fund partners.

Insurance coverage is not required to get care with Hey Jane—you can pay for care with Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit and credit card.

Are there abortion funds for people in Bakersfield?

Yes. If you're in Bakersfield, CA and need help paying for abortion care, abortion funds can help. These funds can help cover costs like the abortion itself, transportation, hotel stays, child care, and even meals.

Abortion care for college students in Bakersfield, CA

If you’re a student in Bakersfield, CA,  balancing classes, work, and campus life can make it challenging to fit in an in-person appointment. Hey Jane lets you manage care on your own timeline, with abortion pills shipped discreetly to your dorm, campus mailroom, or a secure pickup spot like a FedEx location or PO box. Always check your school’s mail policies before ordering.

You can get abortion pills shipped to the following colleges or to any address in California:

  • Bakersfield College (~30,000 students)
  • California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) (~10,000 students)

Follow-up care on campus

If you need a pregnancy test to confirm your abortion was successful, most university health centers provide free or low-cost tests. Check your student health center's website or health portal for more information.

Read our student guide to having an abortion for more helpful tips and how to prepare.

What to know if you’re traveling to Bakersfield for abortion care

Bakersfield is in the heart of California’s Central Valley, making it a an accessible option for both virtual and in-clinic abortion care, especially for those coming from nearby rural areas. Here are some helpful tips for navigating the city. 

  • Easy transportation – Bakersfield is right off Highway 99 and Highway 58, with the I-5 just a short drive west. If you’re coming from farther away, the downtown Amtrak station and Meadows Field Airport (BFL) are convenient options for traveling into town.  
  • Lodging options: Hotels in Downtown Bakersfield put you within walking distance of restaurants, pharmacies, and public transit. If you’re driving, hotels along Highway 99 will be most convenient. Travelers flying into BFLcan also find several reliable hotel options minutes from the airport.
  • Delivery-friendly locations –You can get abortion pills delivered to a FedEx Ship Center, which can be found near Bakersfield College, Valley Plaza Mall, and central Bakersfield.
  • Nearby essentials – Pharmacies like CVS, Walmart and Walgreens are easy to find around town for things like heating pads, ibuprofen, and electrolyte drinks to help manage medication abortion symptoms. Grocery stores such as Vons and FoodMaxx make it easy to pick up comfort food, extra pads, or privacy supplies during your stay.

For packing tips and more travel details, visit our abortion travel guide.

Get fast, private abortion care in Bakersfield now.

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