Planned Parenthood has served the Northern San Joaquin valley for 26 years, providing low-cost birth control, pelvic, breast and other physical examinations, prenatal care, parenting classes and counseling.

The history of Planned Parenthood in San Joaquin County begins in 1970, where it was originally founded by a group of committed Stockton citizens who were concerned about the growing rise of teenage pregnancy and the lack of health care for poor women. In 1972, as the result of a grant, a clinic and counseling center were opened at the First Congregational Church in Central Stockton. In 1976, a clinic was also opened in Tracy at the public health facility.

In 1977, Planned Parenthood purchased a fire station in South Central Stockton that housed a clinic until 1990 and administration until 1995. In 1983, a third clinic was opened in North Stockton on Benjamin Holt Drive.

In 1985, Planned Parenthood opened a clinic in Stanislaus county in Modesto, California (a town best known for the largest winery in the world – Gallo). On February 1, 1995, a fire caused by arson to an adjoining business destroyed the clinic. A temporary clinic was set-up, but the new location lacked running water and bathrooms. Eventually, in November of 1995, the clinic moved back to its original site.

In 1987, the fourth San Joaquin County Planned Parenthood clinic was opened in Manteca. In 1996, Planned Parenthood of the San Joaquin Valley merged with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, creating Planned Parenthood’s largest affiliate in the United States.