Upper Downriver Right to Life is one of the 80-plus affiliates of Right to Life of Michigan, “a nonpartisan, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization of diverse and caring people united to protect the precious gift of human life at all stages, from fertilization to natural death.” (RTL.org)

The organization especially works to educate people on life issues, particularly protecting mothers and babies before and after birth, helping with the needs of families and advocating for the choice of life during difficult circumstances.

“We oppose abortion and euthanasia while offering positive alternatives,” said Debbie Bloomfield, vice president of Upper Downriver Right to Life.

The Upper Downriver affiliate serves the communities of Wyandotte, Southgate, Lincoln Park, Ecorse, River Rouge and southwest Detroit. The rest of Wayne County is served by the Southern Downriver and Central Wayne County affiliates.

“We don’t limit ourselves to just the six communities we target,” Bloomfield said.

Upper Downriver Right to Life (UD-RTL) sends out a quarterly newsletter to over 1,300 homes Downriver and beyond and partners with local pregnancy centers to provide aid to those in need in addition to holding several events throughout the year to raise pro-life awareness and support.

The Upper Downriver Right to Life uses their annual activities as a way to focus on the positive. Their annual Life Walk fundraiser includes a walk through Wyandotte, spreading awareness, and finishing with a picnic in the park. Local churches and their congregations are encouraged to participate.

The organization also sponsors a pro-life oratory contest for Michigan high school students each spring. Participating students write and deliver a five-to-seven-minute pro-life speech to a panel of judges and the first-, second- and third-place winners receive a cash prize.

Other events throughout the year include rallying at pro-life marches and walks around the state, life chains and several other local pro-life events.

Right to Life of Michigan also has a political action committee that helps the Upper Downriver affiliate promote elections and educate the public on pro-life candidates. The organization will hold a new event this October called March to the Polls, which will encourage pro-life voters to vote early and make their voices heard.

According to Bloomfield, current legislation that most impacts life issues in Michigan was the passage of Proposal 3.

“We advocate that when there are difficulties during a pregnancy, doctors should care for both the mother and child. The doctor has two patients. Sometimes the baby doesn’t survive, unfortunately, but we do not believe intentionally aborting a child is the right solution, so we try to help find solutions that will support life,” Bloomfield said.

Upper Downriver Right to Life supports local pregnancy centers, like the Lincoln Park Pregnancy Resource Center, which provides material goods and donations to expecting mothers or mothers with new babies.

Other events, like Right to Life of Michigan’s Motor City Baby Shower, are collaborative efforts with local organizations and churches to provide information, resources and supplies such as diapers, formula, car seats, pack and plays and more to mothers in need.

The Downriver Focus on Life Dinner will be held on September 18, 2024. More information can be found at www.focusonlifedownriver.com.

For more information about the organization or for volunteer opportunities and events, visit RTL.org, the Upper Downriver Right to Life Facebook Page or email wyandotterlm@gmail.com.