Exploring the Parallels

How A Ward of the State Reflects Today’s Headlines

Exploring the Parallels: How A Ward of the State Reflects Today’s Headlines

When I started writing The Fatherhood Mandate, I didn’t expect the world around me to so closely mirror the themes in my story. Yet, as I continue writing A Ward of the State, the next book in The Unborn Child Protection Act series, I can’t help but see the startling connections between fiction and reality. With the upcoming 2024 election heating up and women's rights at the forefront of debates, the parallels are almost eerie. So, let’s dive into how the events unfolding in A Ward of the State reflect what we’re seeing in today’s headlines—and why it matters more than ever.

A Tale Rooted in Women’s Rights

Ward of the State focuses on an 11-year-old girl, Allison Williams Maxwell, who finds herself trapped between two worlds—her wealthy, disconnected mother and a legal system that has taken away her sense of agency. Set in 2041, it’s a near-future dystopia where women’s reproductive rights have been whittled away to nearly nothing.

Sound familiar? It should. In the real world, we’ve seen recent court rulings, protests, and new bills that are challenging the freedoms women fought for decades to secure. We’ve witnessed the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights being overturned in certain states, leaving women in a precarious position—one that feels uncomfortably close to what happens in the world of Allison.

The Impact of Authoritarianism on Personal Freedom

One of the core themes in A Ward of the State is how authoritarianism invades personal freedom. As Allison navigates her own complex reality, she’s surrounded by the repercussions of governmental control over personal choices—especially those involving women’s bodies. The legal system has essentially declared that children born to unmarried couples to be wards of the state, and the autonomy of women is limited by restrictive laws.

Fast-forward to today, and while we may not be living under an authoritarian regime (yet), there’s no denying that many governments around the world are increasingly controlling the personal freedoms of their citizens. In countries like the U.S., laws limiting reproductive rights have reignited debates about who really holds power over our bodies. Just look at the recent resurgence of efforts to restrict access to contraceptives, abortion services, and comprehensive sex education.

The question A Ward of the State asks is simple: How much control should the government have over our personal decisions? And when do we lose the right to say no?

Election 2024: The Crossroads We Face

As we approach the 2024 election, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that women’s rights are once again a focal point. Politicians at the state and federal level are making bold promises—some to safeguard women’s freedoms, others to strip them away. Just like in Allison’s world, these decisions will have far-reaching consequences for future generations.

Think about it. We’re at a moment in time where we get to decide the kind of world we want to leave for our daughters, nieces, and the women who come after us. Will it be one where they have control over their bodies and futures, or will we move closer to a dystopian reality, like the one Allison is forced to navigate?

It’s easy to think that A Ward of the State is just a fictional story set in a distant future, but the truth is, we’re already seeing echoes of that world today. The push and pull between individual rights and governmental control has never felt more relevant than it does right now, and with every election cycle, the stakes seem to get higher.

Fiction as a Reflection of Reality

One of the most powerful things about fiction is its ability to reflect the world we live in. While A Ward of the State may be set in 2041, its storyline is rooted in the real fears, challenges, and triumphs that women face today. And that’s why I believe it resonates with readers—not because it’s some far-off dystopia, but because it’s a mirror held up to our current reality.

As we inch closer to Election Day, I invite you to think about how the choices we make today will shape the future. The headlines we’re reading now are the seeds of what’s to come, and just like Allison, we all have a role to play in shaping the world around us. Whether you’re voting, advocating, or simply having conversations with those around you, every action matters.

Let’s Talk About It

So, where do you stand on the issues? Do you see parallels between Allison’s world and the one we live in today? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—whether you agree, disagree, or have your own unique take on the situation.

Let’s start the conversation. After all, change begins with a single voice.