4. An Interesting Condition

In Chapter Four, Lisboa examines a series of ten pastels (the Abortion series); Rego’s motivation for producing them, including her anger with organized religion; and the focus of the images. Rego’s pastels and sketches are placed within the context of the political upheaval of events surrounding the abortion controversy. In this respect, Lisboa discusses the Catholic Church’s political influence, particularly in Portugal; the history of abortion law in Portugal, as well as anti-abortionism; and the extreme risks involved in childbirth. This chapter also explores the gaze of viewers, male and female; the blurring of categories of pain and pleasure; and the effect of Rego’s pictures on the individual viewer and society, taking into consideration emotions, morals, and control.