Frequently Asked Questions
A living guide to the world of The Unborn Child Protection Act series
ABOUT THE SERIES
Q: What is The Unborn Child Protection Act series about?
A: It’s a near-future dystopian series set in a version of America where fetal rights override individual freedom. The story begins with forced parenthood and expands into generational consequences. It follows Sam, Rylee, and their daughter Allison as they navigate a system designed to control their lives from conception through adulthood.
Q: Was this always meant to be a series?
A: No. The Fatherhood Mandate was supposed to stand alone. But readers wanted to know Rylee’s side. Then came the bigger question—what kind of life would a child have if the state mandated her existence? That’s when The Motherhood Mandate and A Ward of the State took shape. The series grew because the questions kept coming.
Q: What order should I read the books in?
A: For the full arc, read them in this order:
Thin Blue Lines (prequel)
The Motherhood Mandate
The Fatherhood Mandate
A Ward of the State
BOOK FORMATS & WHERE TO BUY
Q: Where can I get the books?
A: All books are available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats. For the best prices, visit mewright.com/store. You’ll also find them on Amazon, Apple, Audible, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and some library systems like Hoopla.
Q: Do you offer signed copies?
A: Yes. Signed paperbacks are available through the official store. You can request a personalized note at checkout.
Q: I live outside the U.S. Can I still get your books?
A: Yes. Ebook and audiobook formats are available globally. For signed copies, we are restricted to the U.S. only.
WORLD & THEMES
Q: Is this world based on real laws?
A: Yes. The fiction is built on real precedents, especially Wisconsin’s 1997 Act 292 and related surveillance laws. Every element has a counterpart somewhere in existing legal systems. The world evolves from there.
Q: How is Project 2025 connected to the series?
A: Project 2025 is a real policy agenda that mirrors many of the themes in the books: control over reproductive rights, forced traditional roles, and surveillance in the name of stability. The series isn’t a reaction to it, but the overlap is unsettling.
Q: Where is the story set?
A: Key locations include Manhattan, Chicago, and the Milwaukee area. Each setting was chosen to reflect the cultural and legal pressures shaping the characters’ lives.
Q: Is this a warning or a prediction?
A: It’s a warning. These stories ask what might happen if we let fear and control define the law. It’s not meant to predict the future, but to challenge the present.
CHARACTERS & CONNECTIONS
Q: Are the characters based on real people?
A: No. But their struggles are real. The dilemmas they face reflect what happens when policy replaces choice.
Q: How are the characters connected?
A: Sam and Rylee were forced into parenthood under Wisconsin’s Unborn Child Protection Act. Allison is their daughter. Her story, in A Ward of the State, explores what it means to grow up under those laws.
Q: Can I learn more about the characters?
A: Yes. “Then & Now” profiles and bonus scenes are available on Substack and through the author’s newsletter.
FOR BOOK CLUBS & EDUCATORS
Q: Can we download a printable version of the discussion guide?
A: Yes. Discussion kits will be available in PDF format. You can sign up at m-e-wright-author.kit.com/bookclub. You’ll find questions, character notes, and bonus materials to print or share with your group. These are ideal for both clubs and classrooms.
Q: Is there a character map or something to help us track the relationships?
A: A character relationship guide is in development. In the meantime, the book club kit includes a “Who’s Who” section with character roles and how they connect across the series.
Q: Is there a suggested reading schedule?
A: Yes. You'll find a 4-week and 6-week pacing guide inside the club kit. Each includes reading breaks, discussion checkpoints, and questions that build week by week.
Q: Can these books tie into classroom subjects like civics or government?
A: Yes. While the series is fiction, it explores real-world systems of power and how they shape family, autonomy, and identity. Teachers have used these books to spark discussions on surveillance, reproductive control, gender policy, and civic responsibility. Educators are welcome to adapt the materials for classroom use.
Q: Are these books appropriate for teens?
A: The series is intended for adult and mature teen readers. It deals with coercion, state control, and emotional trauma, but without graphic violence or explicit sexual content. These books focus on emotional complexity and psychological realism, making them well-suited for high school juniors and seniors with guided discussion.
Q: Are there any behind-the-scenes notes or author reflections we can share?
A: Yes. M.E. shares deleted scenes, writing process notes, and reflections on the series. Some of these are included in the book club materials, and others can be accessed through mewright.substack.com if your group wants a deeper dive.
Q: Can M.E. Wright join our group for a Q&A?
A: Absolutely. Virtual visits are available for book clubs and educator groups. If you're in Southeastern Wisconsin, in-person visits may be possible too.Q:
Q: What kinds of questions can we ask M.E. Wright during a live Q&A?
A: Anything from craft to character to worldbuilding. Some groups like to ask about the inspiration behind the story or which scenes changed the most during editing. Others dig into the legal framework, ethical themes, or character decisions. If you're not sure where to start, we can provide a short list of suggested questions to get the conversation flowing.
WRITING PROCESS & FUTURE PROJECTS
Q: What inspired you to write this series?
A: Readers kept asking what happened to Sam, Rylee, and Allison. The laws in The Fatherhood Mandate were meant to tell one story, but the consequences didn’t end there. The series became a way to explore what happens when the system keeps demanding more from people who never had a choice in the first place.
Q: What’s next after A Ward of the State?
A: M.E. isn’t quite done with this universe. Several short stories are in the works, each expanding the world from different angles. One may grow into a novella or even a full novel, depending on where the characters take it.
In addition, a new duology called A Path Not Taken is in progress. These books will explore trauma, emotional survival, and quiet forms of rebellion. Set in the same world, they introduce new characters and fresh challenges while staying rooted in the same high-stakes systems of control.
COMMUNITY & EXTRAS
Q: Are there extras for fans of the series?
A: Yes. Deleted scenes, character lore, and behind-the-scenes notes are shared on Substack. There are also giveaways, trivia nights, and reader polls. Newsletter subscribers get early access to everything.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Join the conversation on the Unborn Child Protection Act Companion Site, follow M.E. on Instagram or Facebook, or join the Writer’s Garden Discord.
Q: Is there official merch for the series?
A: Yes. You’ll find mugs, metal bookmarks, tote bags, notebooks, and apparel inspired by The Unborn Child Protection Act series. Favorites include the Stronger Together Tote Bag, Princesses Can Slay Their Own Damn Dragons Spiral Notebook, and Women Supporting Women buttons. All designs reflect themes of resistance, survival, and strength.
Explore accessories and clothing at mewright.com/store.