Your Guide to Surrogacy in Riverside

Why Riverside Is an Ideal Location for Surrogacy for Both Surrogates and Intended Parents

Riverside, California, is a great place to embark on your surrogacy journey. Located in a surrogacy-friendly state with a clear legal framework and protections in place, Riverside offers a thriving, diverse city with a strong support network for people hoping to grow their families through surrogacy, as well as those looking to serve as surrogates themselves. With easy access to world-class medical institutions and proximity to Los Angeles, Riverside has the convenience, resources, and community both surrogates and aspiring parents need for a healthy and fulfilling experience.

Surrogacy Law in Riverside, California

Surrogacy laws in Riverside follow the guidelines set forth by the state of California, which provide protections for surrogates and intended parents alike. Click below to learn more.

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Becoming a Surrogate in Riverside

Surrogates in Riverside have access to many valuable resources in the area, from fertility specialists and surrogacy agencies to mental health professionals and pregnancy-focused wellness providers.
The team at GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation has worked closely with surrogates throughout Southern California, including Riverside, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Corona, Perris, Beaumont, Banning, and Eastvale. Many of these surrogates end up returning for second or third journeys with GSHC, and often refer others to our team.

Many of our own coordinators and case managers have also served as surrogates themselves and therefore have a personal understanding of the unique commitment involved. Our caring and knowledgeable team will guide you through every step of this journey with care and compassion.

Surrogacy Compensation in Riverside

Surrogacy can be both physically and emotionally demanding, involving a deep commitment of time and energy. At GSHC pride ourselves on offering generous, industry-leading compensation to all surrogates working with us.

  • First-time surrogates typically receive base pay of $60,000 to $65,000, in addition to allowances for major milestones such as embryo transfer, medication start, and heartbeat confirmation, as well as necessities such as maternity clothing. In total, these allowances usually range from $8,000 to $15,000.
  • Estimated total: $70,000 to $80,000
  • Experienced Surrogates may earn $90,000 to $100,000, and our GSHC VIP Surrogates can make over $100,000.

These estimates do not include reimbursed expenses such as lost wages, medical insurance, and travel, which will be covered separately. The team at GSHC will work closely with all surrogates to go over exactly how compensation and allowances will work, and will make sure they have everything they need for a healthy and rewarding journey.

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Surrogate Requirements in Riverside

All surrogates in Riverside must meet stringent requirements to help safeguard their health and well-being, as well as that of the baby. California maintains basic requirements around age and legal representation, and agencies will also set their own stricter guidelines. At GSHC, we have requirements around age, housing and financial stability, physical and mental health, pregnancy history, citizenship status, and more to facilitate a smooth process for all involved parties.

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Become a Surrogate in Riverside

Do you live in Moreno Valley, Corona, Jurupa Valley, or anywhere else in the area? Do you dream of helping someone grow their family? The path of surrogacy may be your calling. Connect today with GSHC and answer the call to become a surrogate.

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Find a Surrogate in Riverside

GSHC has helped many aspiring parents find surrogates in Riverside and throughout Southern California. California is a very surrogacy-friendly state, with clearly defined laws in place to protect surrogates and intended parents alike. As a diverse and inclusive city, Riverside is also an ideal location for LGBTQ+ families and intended parents, and state surrogacy law does not discriminate against people based on marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. There is also no requirement in California that intended parents be genetically related to the baby.

Surrogacy Costs in Riverside

Surrogacy expenses in Riverside will depend on the specifics of the case, with various factors being taken into account, including the specifics of the surrogacy contract, prior surrogacy experience, and any specialized or unexpected medical needs. Less common circumstances, such as a pregnancy resulting in multiples (i.e., twins), can also affect total costs. On average, most intended parents pay at least $155,000. We know working with a surrogate involves a significant financial commitment, and our team will go over all aspects with you in detail, including base pay, additional surrogate allowances, legal fees, and more.

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Benefits of Working with a Surrogate in Riverside

Working with a surrogate in Riverside can offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Top-Tier Hospitals: Patients in Riverside have convenient access to several hospitals, including Riverside Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and Temecula Valley Hospital, all with either Level 2 or Level 3 NICU treatment centers. These facilities also have experience working with surrogates and intended parents, so you can rest assured that the staff will understand the nuances of your situation.
  • Convenient Transit: An accessible location for local, national, and international patients alike, Riverside is about 30 minutes away from Ontario International Airport and about 2.5 hours from LAX. There is also an Amtrak station in town offering convenient access to Northern California and Los Angeles, as well as many destinations throughout the Midwest and Southwest, including Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Riverside also has several affordable public transit options.
  • Seamless Post-Birth Processes: The Riverside County Office of Vital Records is experienced in handling surrogacy birth certificates, ensuring a quick and straightforward process.

Monitoring Clinics & Delivery Hospitals for Surrogates in Riverside

We partner with the following top fertility clinics in and around Riverside to allow for close monitoring throughout pregnancy and the entire surrogacy journey:

There are also several well-respected delivery hospitals for surrogates in the Riverside area, including:

Riverside Community Hospital – Level 3 NICU
Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta – Level 2 NICU
Kaiser Permanente Riverside – Level 3 NICU
Parkview Community Hospital – Level 3 NICU
Temecula Valley Hospital – Level 2 NICU

GSHC will help coordinate all medical care and travel to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Find a Surrogate in Riverside

Riverside is one of the best cities in the U.S. to find a surrogate, and GSHC is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with us and let us help you find your ideal surrogate match.

Contact GSHC

The Surrogacy Process in Riverside

The surrogacy process in Riverside will involve a few key steps:

Step 1. Matching

Establishing a good match between surrogates and intended parents is a critical aspect of the surrogacy journey. To start, both parties will create detailed profiles outlining their requirements, preferences, and expectations. The team at GSHC will review these carefully to identify potential pairings. We’ll then set up time for intended parents to meet potential matches and get to know one another.

Step 2. Legal and Medical Procedures

Once a surrogate and intended parents are aligned on a match, medical and legal processes will begin, starting with initial screenings for physical and mental health. This will involve blood panels, physical exams, urine tests, and more. These are necessary to ensure surrogates are capable of undertaking the unique demands involved in the process, and also to screen for any genetic diseases that could be passed on to the baby.

Meanwhile, the intended parents will choose an attorney to work with throughout the surrogacy journey; Riverside is home to many respected attorneys with experience in surrogacy law. They’ll work together to draft a legally binding, comprehensive document that clearly lays out the rights and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents. Compensation, medical requirements, lifestyle restrictions during pregnancy, communication mode and cadence, and more will all be covered in detail.

The surrogate will review the contract with her own attorney and have the chance to request changes and ask clarifying questions. Once any agreed-upon adjustments are made and everyone is in alignment, the surrogate can begin fertility treatments.

Step 3. Pregnancy and Birth

The surrogate will take a test to confirm pregnancy and continue seeing her fertility doctor for a couple of months. After several more weeks, she’ll no longer need to take fertility medications and will be able to choose her own OB/GYN.

The surrogate will also decide on the delivery hospital. Most intended parents choose to be there on the big day to meet the new baby and provide support to the surrogate. After delivery, the surrogate will get to spend a little time with the child before the new family goes home together. Some surrogates and parents decide to stay in touch after the birth of the baby; communication preferences and expectations are typically outlined beforehand in the surrogacy contract.

Surrogacy in Riverside FAQs

  • Anyone hoping to become a surrogate in Riverside must meet the specific requirements set forth by the state of California, as well as those set by the specific surrogacy agency she partners with. At GSHC, we require all surrogate candidates:

    • Be age 21–38
    • Have had at least one child of her own
    • Have had no more than five previous pregnancies
    • Have had no or three C-sections
    • Be physically and mentally healthy
    • Have a stable living and financial situation
    • Be a U.S. citizen with no criminal record

    At GSHC, we welcome applications from surrogate candidates living in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Corona, Perris, Beaumont, Banning, San Jacinto, Wildomar, Eastvale, Norco, Coachella, Indio, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and La Quinta.

  • Surrogates and intended parents in Riverside will be matched based on several factors including overall preferences, personality and temperament, lifestyle, and values. First, surrogate candidates and intended parents will fill out detailed profiles for review by our team. We’ll also meet with every surrogate candidate to get to know them and better understand their expectations and goals. From there, we can start creating potential matches and set up time for everyone to meet. If both parties are happy with the arrangement, we can move forward.

  • Surrogacy costs in Riverside will include base pay, additional allowances, legal and medical fees, and more. Base pay, on average, is typically around $60,000, but experienced surrogates can earn $90,000 to $100,000, or even more. The specifics of the case — including the details of the surrogacy contract and any special medical needs — will determine total costs, but in general, most intended parents pay at least $155,000. Our team will work one-on-one with all intended parents to go over anticipated costs at the outset of the process.

  • Gestational surrogacy — in which the surrogate does not use her own eggs and therefore is not related to the baby — is specifically permitted by law in California. The laws around gestational surrogacy are well-defined and protect both the surrogate and the intended parents. Because there is no law prohibiting traditional surrogacy — in which the surrogate uses her own eggs and is genetically related to the baby — it is also permitted in California.

    Traditional surrogacy tends to be much more legally and emotionally complex, and therefore is not very common and not recommended in most cases. At GSHC, we work with gestational surrogates only.

  • GSHC is proud to have helped many LGBTQ+ intended parents fulfill their dreams of parenthood. California law does not discriminate against intended parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status, and also does not require intended parents to be genetically related to the baby. We provide all LGBTQ+ intended parents with individualized care and aim to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Why GSHC: About Our Surrogacy Agency

GSHC Surrogacy Agency is an internationally recognized, full-service boutique agency dedicated to helping families grow through surrogacy and egg donation. With a core ethos centered on a passion for assisted reproduction and family building, we prioritize the highest level of service for both intended parents and surrogates. What sets us apart is our unique approach — 100% of our Case Managers are former surrogates themselves, providing unparalleled empathy and expertise. Our extensive pool of surrogates, close relationships with elite professionals, and commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity ensure a seamless journey toward parenthood. With GSHC Surrogacy Agency, you're in safe hands every step of the way. Learn more about how we can help facilitate your surrogacy journey in Riverside.

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