When a group of birth attendants viewed an exhibition of works produced on the issue of sex-selective abortion, a growing issue in Asia, their critical comment was, “We couldn’t help but feel a very pro-life message here.”  They went on, however, to share their anguish at attending births where the birth of a boy was welcomed with cheers and congratulations, whereas that of a girl was met with silence, even anger, among relatives and friends.  The discussion among the birth attendants lasted long after they left the exhibition, but by the end of the evening two had reached a point where they admitted they were ready to reconsider their stance on abortion.  The artwork itself didn’t change their beliefs, but it helped begin a conversation that did.  Art is powerful because, through indirect communication, it can penetrate people’s defenses.