The Practitioner
Description
The story centers around James, a disgraced doctor in 1965 who performs illegal abortions in his home. He's plagued by alcoholism, struggling to maintain his sobriety. Enter a mysterious woman, Burns, who represents a women's liberation group offering James an opportunity to join their network. We then shift to 2092 where a medical student, Morgan, is studying James' life through a time-travel device. The story delves into ethical dilemmas faced by doctors, exploring the impact of societal norms and medical advancements on healthcare access. The narrative is captivating, weaving a tale of secrets, redemption, and the human condition through time. This story was first published in the January/February 2021 issue of Analog Science Fiction & Fact. Comparable works include The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak