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Pamela Binnings Ewen | Passion And Dark Secrets
March 28, 2014
Passion drove me to write my latest novel, AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE,
released by B&H Publishing in September, 2013. This is a fast paced story, a
love story and a murder trial, but although this is fiction, it is based on fact. Three years ago I was watching a television show and heard a horrifying tale.
Jill Stanek, a pediatric nurse, was talking about testimony she'd given before
Congress in 2000, and I could not believe what I was hearing. Stanek said that
in the hospital in which she worked – Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn,
Illinois--babies born alive during late term abortions were sometimes left to
die, in deference to the woman's right to choose. Several witnesses confirmed
her testimony, and as a result the Infant Born Alive Protection Act was passed
in 2001. The Act left a gaping hole in moral law however, as it was applicable
only to federal hospitals and institutions—not in state run hospitals or
private abortion clinics. I practiced law for twenty-five years before exchanging my partnership in a
large firm for writing. As a result, research became a tool for me, for digging
out the truth. So I researched Ms. Stanek's testimony, and found to my horror
that live birth abortions are one of the best-kept secrets in the world. That's
when I knew that I had to write this book—people had to know. I choose to
use fiction because I wanted to show characters making choices, and reflecting
on those choices and dealing with the consequences, as we all do in real life.
And sometimes fiction brings us to a deeper truth. AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE is
not a book about abortion—this is a book about a child born alive, and
carefully, deliberately allowed to die. The doctor is put on trial for refusing
to give medical assistance to the infant born alive during a late term abortion.
The resulting trial is based on facts and actual evidence. The question is
whether an infant born alive during a failed abortion is a ‘person' with an
independent right to life, or whether the baby is bound by the mother's right to
choose under Roe v. Wade. As you may remember, after the trial of abortion
doctor Kermit Gosnell in the summer of 2013, a spokeswoman for Planned
Parenthood said this choice should be made solely between the woman and her doctor. From the beginning I knew what I ‘wanted' as a verdict; but as a lawyer, I also
knew that the verdict had to be completely supported by the evidence. To
prepare, I attended trials, and interviewed forensic pathologists, pediatric
doctors and nurses, coroners, judges and lawyers. The verdict is based solely on
medically supported evidence, reason, and the law. AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE is
the third book in my trilogy about two young women in the 1970's and ‘80's
struggling to make it in a man's world, struggling to achieve balance in their
lives between home and a career. (DANCING ON GLASS, CHASING THE WIND, and AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE). The
books are set in New Orleans because this city that I love is a character in the
stories. In all three books the time, place, and characters are the same, but
each stands on its own. Comment to win a copy of AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE and a
Starbucks Card valued at $10.00
Comments
20 comments posted.
Re: Pamela Binnings Ewen | Passion And Dark Secrets
Sounds very interesting and emotional. Love the cover.
(Sue Brandes 8:26am March 28, 2014)
What a captivating and enthralling story. Best wishes and
many thanks for this wonderful feature.
(Sharon Berger 10:20am March 28, 2014)
I'd really like to read your book. It sounds like the kind I like to read.
(Kathy Morrison 10:25am March 28, 2014)
I can understand why you picked New Orleans for the backdrop of your books. My Best Friend lives there, and it truly sounds like a lively, wonderful place, yet, the perfect place where something like this could be plausible. After reading about the case of Kermit Gosnell and his house of horrors, I would love to read your book, and see how you resolved the issue, being a former attorney. The story turned my stomach, to be honest, and I'm sure that you did a wonderful job explaining it all in your book. I'll have to be sure to read the other books in the series as well. I'm so glad that you came to Fresh Fiction to explain more about the background to your books. That certainly put your books on my TBR list!!
(Peggy Roberson 12:15pm March 28, 2014)
You are a new author for me... thanks for introducing your book... enjoying the sound of it!
(Colleen Conklin 12:42pm March 28, 2014)
Pamela, you really chose a topic that can run wild with different emotions. You grabbed my attention and now An
Accidental Life is on my must read list. Kuddo's girl!!
(Rosemary Simm 3:52pm March 28, 2014)
love books that are based n facts..not acquainted with your books but would like to be.
(Mal Kaplan 4:12pm March 28, 2014)
Would love to read this one. You are a new author for me.
Just love this sight, it allows me to meet new authors.
(Barbara Wells 8:59pm March 28, 2014)
"You only have one life to live and if you do it right one is
all you need" - Mae West
(Callie Stuck 10:01pm March 28, 2014)
This is the time when we women have started to fight for our careers. We didn't want to be secretaries. We want to be doctors, judges, journalists, and CEO. I remember that period.
(Kai Wong 2:08am March 29, 2014)
Wow. This is a very intriguing issue.
(Pam Howell 10:44am March 29, 2014)
Sounds interesting, I had no idea such an inhumane situation had existed.
(Rachel Cropper 12:09pm March 29, 2014)
This sounds like an amazing book!
(Denise Austin 12:28pm March 29, 2014)
I love books set in New Orleans, they always have interesting twists and turns. Your cover is great and the story sounds very intriguing. It's definitely a book I will have to read! Thanks so much for the giveaway.
(Vennie Martinisi 1:15pm March 29, 2014)
I am in a bit of shock as I read this! For one thing, my siter's name is Jill Stanek...however, her last name is changed now that she is married. She lives in MN. and has always been a teacher with many degrees. She also taught at many colleges and was the founder of the first National Geographic Bee which started in the state of MN. many years ago. She was awarded by the MN. State Governor for her accomplishments and honored with a Day of The Year named after her. She then traveled nearly every country throughout her career choosing one or two students to join her. She recently retired. I am sending her a copy of this as I'm sure she will find it of great interest about this woman who shares her name. It is most interesting to me, and this must be an outstanding book to read.
(Linda Luinstra 5:35pm March 29, 2014)
Challenging themes in your series as a whole, and in this
novel. Bold!
(Mary Ann Dimand 9:40pm March 29, 2014)
AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE sounds just so fantastic.
(Mary Preston 9:58pm March 29, 2014)
Love the cover and Love New Orleans.
(Catherine Myers 10:23pm March 29, 2014)
Such a fantastic read. If you haven't read it yet, I urge you to do so. Beautifully written. The setting and storyline capture the reader's heart and attention right from the beginning.
(Misty Dixon 11:44am March 31, 2014)
This sounds like an amazing story, especially being set in
the magic New Orleans
(Sarah Hansrote 10:22pm March 31, 2014)
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