The women arrived carrying baby bottles, clothing, bibs and cuddly toys--typical gifts for a baby shower. But, with no expectant mother in sight, this was no ordinary shower.

The recent party at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Long Beach was the first annual baby shower for low-income women sponsored by the local chapter of the National Organization for Women. The women collected about $900 worth of baby supplies, enough for 20 diaper bags that will be distributed to the city's Health Department and the Westside Neighborhood Clinic prenatal programs.

"Many women in our city do not have access to care, and need additional assistance to care for their babies," said Gerrie Schipske, president of the local NOW chapter. "We believe in women's rights to reproductive choice, and part of that choice is a woman's right to have children."