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Donation
Whose children are they?
Author Karen A. Wyle returns to near-future speculation in this novel exploring what could follow from government control of artificial womb technology.
Young and unprepared for motherhood, Toni Green panics and agrees to "donate" her unborn child for adoption, the fortunate parents to be selected by the Bureau of Reproductive Safety. But the decision doesn't sit well with her, and as her regrets grow, she consults her mother, a high-powered lawyer, about her options. And thus begins a journey for her, her mother, the chosen adoptive parents -- and Poloma Clark, an administrator at the Bureau whose policies and practices Toni is challenging.
Poloma, initially tasked with helping the Bureau prepare for trial, finds herself confronted with evidence that the Bureau is exceeding its mandate. If the purpose of this mission creep is to protect vulnerable children, how can she help but join in? But the more she learns, the more her assumptions face challenges that force her to make possibly life-altering decisions.
This novel, like Wyle's previous near-future stories, includes a substantial number of courtroom scenes -- and a memorable judge.
Author Karen A. Wyle returns to near-future speculation in this novel exploring what could follow from government control of artificial womb technology.
Young and unprepared for motherhood, Toni Green panics and agrees to "donate" her unborn child for adoption, the fortunate parents to be selected by the Bureau of Reproductive Safety. But the decision doesn't sit well with her, and as her regrets grow, she consults her mother, a high-powered lawyer, about her options. And thus begins a journey for her, her mother, the chosen adoptive parents -- and Poloma Clark, an administrator at the Bureau whose policies and practices Toni is challenging.
Poloma, initially tasked with helping the Bureau prepare for trial, finds herself confronted with evidence that the Bureau is exceeding its mandate. If the purpose of this mission creep is to protect vulnerable children, how can she help but join in? But the more she learns, the more her assumptions face challenges that force her to make possibly life-altering decisions.
This novel, like Wyle's previous near-future stories, includes a substantial number of courtroom scenes -- and a memorable judge.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
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About the author
Karen A. Wyle
26 books233 followersKaren A. Wyle is the author of multiple science fiction novels, including The Twin-Bred Series: Books 1-3; YA novel Water to Water; and near-future novels Division, Playback Effect, Who: a novel of the near future, and Donation. Her first novel outside the SF category was the afterlife fantasy/family drama Wander Home. She then turned to historical romance with her Cowbird Creek series, including What Heals the Heart, What Frees the Heart, What Shows the Heart, and What Wakes the Heart. She returned to fantasy with 2023's Far From Mortal Realms: A Novel of Humans and Fae. Her novel The Decision/A Novel of Germany is inspired by a crucial incident in her own family history. Her latest novel, That The Dead May Rest, comes out on October 17, 2025 -- a good month for a paranormal story!
Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Writer's Guide to Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law. An updated and slightly retitled edition came out at the end of July 2021.
Finally, Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music/The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo. There are more to come!
Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age ten, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age nine.
Wyle is a retired appellate attorney, dormant photographer, and mother of two wildly creative adult offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.
Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Writer's Guide to Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law. An updated and slightly retitled edition came out at the end of July 2021.
Finally, Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music/The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo. There are more to come!
Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age ten, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age nine.
Wyle is a retired appellate attorney, dormant photographer, and mother of two wildly creative adult offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.
Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 13, 2022
A stand-alone near-future SF book.
The book starts with a nameless mother who is about to have a miscarriage. However, the fetus is put into an incubator which is an artificial uterine environment where babies can be safely incubated to term. Also, only a Bureau in the US government is allowed to use them, as an alternative to abortions. That means the Bureau will also seek out adoptive parents for unwanted fetuses. But later in the book, we get clues that the Bureau’s management has other political agendas, as well.
Young struggling artist Toni finds herself accidentally pregnant. She’s already left her boyfriend and doesn’t know how she can support a baby. But then she sees an ad from the Bureau of Reproductive Safety. She could donate the fetus to the Bureau which will find the best possible adoptive parents for it. She quickly decides to do so. However after the donation, she sees a vivid dream about her baby and realizes that she’s made a terrible mistake. But the contract she signed means that she can’t just change her mind. Fortunately, Toni’s mother is a high-powered lawyer. Toni decides to battle the Bureau in the courts to get the fetus back. But she will also be battling the chosen adoptive parents.
Adam and Grace are thrilled to hear that after a long wait, they’ll finally become parents. The Bureau’s representative Poloma warns them that the road might not be easy. Still, Adam and Grace decide to fight for the chance to become parents.
Poloma is happy to work for the Bureau, protecting vulnerable children and helping infertile people become parents. She chooses just the right adoptive parents for Toni’s fetus. She also represents the Bureau in the legal battle and initially she thinks she’s doing the right thing. However, when she finds out what the Bureau’s board is really up to, she must wrestle with her conscience.
Meanwhile, Jack and Mary are trying to get pregnant. But even if that happens, Mary might not be able to carry the baby to term.
The book is thoughtful near-future science fiction, centered on reproductive rights. What happens when humans develop real, working artificial uterine environments? Who gets to use them and for what reason? What happens when a woman gives up her fetus and changes her mind? Who really controls the fetus in that artificial environment? Who should have that right?
The story centers on Toni and her fight to get back the fetus but also on Grace and Adam and their love for the unborn baby whom they hope will be theirs. The legal battle is a big theme but also the bonding that both Grace and Adam but also Toni does with the baby because they can ”meet” it in the Bureau’s facilities. We also meet Toni’s mom and brother. Toni’s relationship with her brother is heart-warming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this speculation of what might happen when growing fetuses in artificial environments becomes reality.
The book starts with a nameless mother who is about to have a miscarriage. However, the fetus is put into an incubator which is an artificial uterine environment where babies can be safely incubated to term. Also, only a Bureau in the US government is allowed to use them, as an alternative to abortions. That means the Bureau will also seek out adoptive parents for unwanted fetuses. But later in the book, we get clues that the Bureau’s management has other political agendas, as well.
Young struggling artist Toni finds herself accidentally pregnant. She’s already left her boyfriend and doesn’t know how she can support a baby. But then she sees an ad from the Bureau of Reproductive Safety. She could donate the fetus to the Bureau which will find the best possible adoptive parents for it. She quickly decides to do so. However after the donation, she sees a vivid dream about her baby and realizes that she’s made a terrible mistake. But the contract she signed means that she can’t just change her mind. Fortunately, Toni’s mother is a high-powered lawyer. Toni decides to battle the Bureau in the courts to get the fetus back. But she will also be battling the chosen adoptive parents.
Adam and Grace are thrilled to hear that after a long wait, they’ll finally become parents. The Bureau’s representative Poloma warns them that the road might not be easy. Still, Adam and Grace decide to fight for the chance to become parents.
Poloma is happy to work for the Bureau, protecting vulnerable children and helping infertile people become parents. She chooses just the right adoptive parents for Toni’s fetus. She also represents the Bureau in the legal battle and initially she thinks she’s doing the right thing. However, when she finds out what the Bureau’s board is really up to, she must wrestle with her conscience.
Meanwhile, Jack and Mary are trying to get pregnant. But even if that happens, Mary might not be able to carry the baby to term.
The book is thoughtful near-future science fiction, centered on reproductive rights. What happens when humans develop real, working artificial uterine environments? Who gets to use them and for what reason? What happens when a woman gives up her fetus and changes her mind? Who really controls the fetus in that artificial environment? Who should have that right?
The story centers on Toni and her fight to get back the fetus but also on Grace and Adam and their love for the unborn baby whom they hope will be theirs. The legal battle is a big theme but also the bonding that both Grace and Adam but also Toni does with the baby because they can ”meet” it in the Bureau’s facilities. We also meet Toni’s mom and brother. Toni’s relationship with her brother is heart-warming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this speculation of what might happen when growing fetuses in artificial environments becomes reality.
April 17, 2025
“Decision Point” is a captivating exploration of motherhood and the ethics of adoption in a near-future society. The story follows Green, a young woman who, overwhelmed by societal pressures, agrees to “donate” her unborn child to the Bureau of Reproductive Safety for adoption. As regret gnaws at her, she seeks advice from her high-powered lawyer mother, prompting a gripping emotional and legal journey.
Wyle skillfully develops the mother-daughter dynamic, highlighting contrasting views on motherhood and choice. Introducing Poloma Clark, a Bureau administrator who uncovers the organization's overreach, creates additional tension as she grapples with her own moral dilemmas. Wyle's courtroom scenes are tense and expertly crafted, challenging the characters' beliefs and forcing them to confront the implications of their choices.
With rich yet accessible writing, Wyle balances personal struggles with broader societal issues, making “Decision Point” a thought-provoking read. The novel invites readers to reflect on sacrifice, choice, and the true meaning of family. For fans of emotional dramas and legal thrillers, this book is a must-read, showcasing Wyle's talent for weaving complex themes with grace.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews