Author Karen A Wyle is one that has the ability to find ways to take a current issue, even rip it from headlines, and create something thoroughly thought-provoking. She has accomplished this in several of the books I have read and does so again in her title, Donation.

The book takes the reader into an alternate society where one wonders if science may have found a way to make abortions needless. As readers discover technology in this society has made it possible to create an artificial uterus that is able to raise a fetus to a child. Something that could seem amazing in the eyes of some individuals in today’s world, but at the same time something truly disgusting.

In the case of the book, there are many ethical questions that will be asked. The primary reasoning that I found is the fact that the decision on what to do with the unwanted fetus is left to a bureaucratic government agency. Those wanting children can go through an adoption process, and in the book, a couple is helped along in that process. However, as some have found employees of these agencies can be a bit zealous, and in the case of Paloma, she just may be. She is a woman who feels she is doing the right thing for these fetuses, and later children. She wishes to ensure they get proper placement and will do what she can to assist, or the opposite.

There is then the case of those who want to adopt a child. As we find out it is not very easy within the pages of the book as a couple named Adam and Grace. They are informed of a child that may become theirs, but as seen in today’s real-world things are not that easy where the government is involved. As we read on within the pages of the book there will be other things that come to light that will make Poloma even question her work.

The other person involved in this affair is the woman that give up her child to the government agency. There of course those who do it willingly with no questions asked, or even concern for what they are giving up. However, there will likely be women like Toni who give their children up but later change their minds.

This is just a bit of the back story of some of the characters involved within the pages of Donation. There is much more to the story as the reader will find themselves getting involved with the well-written and developed characters. Readers may find themselves like me, questioning what is happening, and whom do you wish to route for as the story unfolds. At the same time considering the division around abortion, and its legality, is this something that should even be attempted? Is this an option the world needs?

This is what I find interesting about Karen A Wyle’s books is her ability to bring up questions on a current topic. She creates the ability for a reader to question not just what one may believe but asks questions that may not have been even considered.

What the book Donation does very well is to give a reader one possibility on a solution around abortion. At the same time, the book brings up potential questions around the involvement of such technology and is the government the right one to be in control of the whole thing. It then brings up questions of the female, donor, and those looking to adopt. The book does its best to look at many angles within the pages. So, to me, this is a piece of science fiction, but at the same time, it’s thought-provoking. Something I hope people will discover and give the book a chance.