One year in

Just over a year ago, I launched Ukraine Surrogacy Dispatches. I wanted to know what would happen to international surrogacy in a time of war.

Early on, the world concentrated on the babies mid-gestation or about to be born. We worried about how parents would get to their children and who would look after them if they couldn't. There were bomb shelters and evacuations. Workarounds and fear.

Some of us were worrying about the women who were acting as surrogates as well. What if they didn't want to move to safety, to protect the baby they were carrying, but instead wanted to stay near home, or even contribute to the war effort? It was and remains complicated.

For a time, the industry slowed. Then, faster than many of us imagined, it started up again. There are still international clients starting surrogacies in Ukraine at this time.

I said when I launched that I would stop writing when there was nothing left to say. Although I've been quiet in recent weeks, I am convinced there are a few more important stories to tell.

Earlier this month, I was introduced to a young woman, Alina, who recently moved from Ukraine to Canada. She has agreed to help me communicate with some of the people I feel I still need to hear from in Ukraine.

Thank you for your patience.

There is more to come.