You may not have met Ms. Marka Latif just yet, but the new Greeley West science teacher’s story is memorable enough that you may just go looking for her in the hallway.
About three years ago Latif decided to drastically change her life and become a surrogate to help a family with fertility problems have children. She didn’t know anyone around in her circle of acquaintances who needed help, so set out to work with a family planning agency to share this wonderful gift. Around three years ago, she was matched with a couple in the United Kingdom.
Latif explained that the family from London flew to the United States to get a surrogate here because American laws are less strict in regards to the surrogacy process. When all parties were comfortable with the situation, the medical process began. About a year and a half ago, the family had their first baby boy. Now, Latif is pregnant with the family’s second child.
Latif said that after this child is born, she will be done with surrogacy. In the meantime, her extended family comes and visits to see how everything is going. She said it was not difficult to give up the first child after carrying him for nine months. “I’m very lucky. It’s been easy for me, but (giving up the baby) is not for everyone,” Latif said.
Latif said the process has not been as emotionally difficult as many think it may be. Part of the reason for this is knowing the family and staying in contact with the family, even after the child is born. In fact, they exchange pictures regularly – pictures of the boy from London and recent pictures of ultrasounds.
Ultimately, Latif said that she’s enjoyed her time being a surrogate because she likes helping out families in need and, is never responsible for actually raising the kid. “Surrogacy feels like it has less responsibility,” Latif explained.
