It was a cold, rainy Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn, but that didn't keep nearly 20 escorts and volunteers from joining the staff of the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Sunset Park for an afternoon open house. The event, initiated by the Center administrator and the Brooklyn Pro-Choice Network (BPCN), was a valuable opportunity for the volunteers to become more closely acquainted with the clinic, and for clinic staff to express their gratitude for the vigilance of the volunteers. Surprise guests in neon polyester dresses and a nun's habit added an important dose of offbeat humor and high spirits to the event's agenda.

Volunteer escorts from the Brooklyn Pro-Choice Network have escorted clients at the Ambulatory Surgery Center for over ten years. The slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian in Buffalo last fall reminded all of us of the tremendous dedication of clinic staff. In turn, the open house was an opportunity for the staff to demonstrate their appreciation to the volunteers whose presence minimizes the disruption Finally, two members of BPCN's steering committee gave an overview of those policies, again emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious events.

Meanwhile, curious glances drifted towards the ladies in colorful polyester who graced the back of the room. At last it was time for the special guests to perform: Church Ladies for Choice! Led by Sister Mary Cunnilingus, this historic group nearly stole the rest of the afternoon with classic hits such as:

This womb is my womb / It is not your womb
And there is no room / for Bishop Daily
From Pennsylvania on down to Guam
These wombs were made to be free.

This stunning and fabulously talented group added an important sense of fun to the BPCN open house, and managed to highlight the ridiculous nature of the anti-choice cause.