"The Children Act" is a novel by Ian McEwan that explores the complexities of family law through the eyes of a high court judge, Fiona Maye. Faced with a challenging case involving a 17-year-old boy, Adam Henry, who refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due to his Jehovah's Witness beliefs, Fiona must navigate the intersection of law, ethics, and personal conviction. As Fiona delves deeper into the case, she grapples with her own personal struggles, including her faltering marriage. The story raises important questions about parental rights, religious freedom, and the responsibilities of the state in protecting vulnerable children.