Understanding Consent
As an author and as a woman, the concept of consent is a cornerstone in my storytelling. In my Unborn Child Protection Act book series, I explore the complexities of bodily autonomy and the severe consequences when these rights are stripped away.
The story takes place in a dystopian near-future where bodily autonomy is severely restricted, reflecting real-world issues around consent and reproductive rights.
It may seem odd to talk about what consent is and why it’s an important foundation in my narrative, but stay with me for a moment. Consent – and sometimes the lack of it – is at the heart of where we are as a society.
We use the word ‘consent’ a lot in today’s society, but what do we mean? It comes down to three interlocking pieces:
Affirmative consent: This requires a clear, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement, expressed either verbally or through actions.
Free given consent: No pressure, manipulation, or threats involved.
Capacity to consent: The person must have the legal ability to consent. They must be of legal age, mentally capable, and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In Wisconsin, where the series takes place, this legal framework is crucial in addressing issues of consent violations, such as situations involving intoxication, where an individual's ability to consent has been compromised.
Devi's Story: A Narrative of Violated Consent
One poignant example from the series is Devi, who experiences a profound violation of consent. Devi wakes up one morning unable to remember having sex the previous night. Her boyfriend had texted her, apologizing for not stopping and offering to pick up Plan B, which is illegal in the series’ dystopian setting.
Here’s a snippet of the consequences:
Theo glanced down at the floor for a moment. He looked frustrated as he weighed his next words carefully. “The information that I’m going to provide you with is in the criminal complaint and is available to the public. But I have to tell you that this is the first time that I’ve had a client arrested for rape.”
Without looking up, Theo held up his hand for silence. Gradually, the group settled down and Theo looked up. After a long pause, he said, “Two phrases stick out from the rest: Sorry you were drunk and I didn’t stop, and do you want me to run down to Illinois to get you some Plan B?”
Sorry I didn’t stop? Sam thought. What the hell does that mean?
“According to the DA, the text confirms witness testimony that Devi was a victim of rape,” Theo told them. “She was too intoxicated to give consent. Tyler has been charged with first-degree sexual assault due to non-consensual sexual contact that resulted in pregnancy.” He paused for a moment; lips pursed. “If convicted, he’s facing up to sixty years in prison.”
Consent Beyond the Act of Sex
In The Fatherhood Mandate, I also explore the notion that consent to sexual activity does not imply consent in reproductive decisions. Consent in reproductive matters is complex and multifaceted. It requires clear communication and mutual agreement.
We’ve all heard the stories of men getting women pregnant on purpose, either by refusing to wear a condom or by pressuring them to have sex. And, of course, the resultant pregnancy is the woman’s fault for not taking birth control pills and other judgemental reasons.
But the idea that a woman might get pregnant on purpose without the partner's agreement raises significant ethical questions, though. Why would a woman want to get pregnant? The usual answers rely on the deep desire to start a family or a misguided belief about creating a lasting bond with the potential father.
Another snippet:
“You remember her sister, Chloe?” Lucas asked. “The one who just had a baby?”
“ . . . yeah . . . ” Sam gestured for him to continue.
“Kathryn told me that Rylee told her that she was so happy for Chloe,” Lucas said. “That she was so excited Chloe had finally gotten pregnant, and she couldn’t wait to start a family of her own.”
“Okay . . . ” Sam drawled. “Not sure I know where you’re going with this.”
“Think about it, man,” Lucas said intently. “The two of you break up. Her sister just happens to get pregnant, and Rylee starts telling people that she wants a baby of her own. She stops taking the Pill, gets back together with you, and bam! A few months later, she’s pregnant!”
Sam scoffed. “I can’t believe she planned this!”
“Why else would she have stopped taking birth control pills?” Lucas asked. “They’re so hard to get in the first place!”
The Broader Implications
I wanted to tell not only a compelling story but also prompt readers to think critically about the importance of consent in all aspects of their lives. It serves as a reminder of the fundamental human right to control one’s own body and make informed, voluntary decisions. In a world where these rights are constantly challenged, I believe my stories act as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging readers to advocate for and uphold the principles of consent in their own lives and in society at large.
Stay tuned for the release of the prequel novella this summer and "A Ward of the State" in 2025.
