(Source: MIRS.news, Published 12/19/2023) Barbara Listing, who oversaw one of Michigan’s most influential political operations at Right to Life (RTL) of Michigan for 43 years, is calling it a career after year’s end.
Succeeding Listing is Southeast Michigan native Amber Roseboom, a former President George W. Bush Administration political appointee who returned to Michigan in July 2022 to become Right to Life’s Vice President of Operations.
The long-rumored transition takes place after a year in which many of Right to Life’s policy advances designed to limit abortions in Michigan were repealed by the Democratic-controlled legislature in response to the passage of Proposal 3, which makes abortion access a constitutional right.
The signing of the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) and Proposal 3 ended a decades-long run by Right to Life of policy success after policy success.
Listing managed three successful statewide legislative initiative drives and two statewide referenda votes -- including ending Medicaid-funded abortions. Right to Life’s historically impressive grassroots network and voting lists typically whipped pro-life candidates into following RTL’s agenda or risk a credible primary election challenger.
“It has been an honor to serve as the president of Right to Life of Michigan, working alongside so many dedicated volunteers, whose only goal is to encourage their fellow citizens to legally recognize the inherent value of all human life, including the unborn child,” Listing said.
Roseboom has been in wings since July 2022, after she was brought back to Michigan after serving in numerous management and strategic communications roles in Washington D.C. for more than 20 years.
She first joined RTL in the last ‘90s to assist the organization’s efforts to defeat a ballot initiative to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the Jack Kevorkian era.
“Barb’s steadfast leadership and bold vision have led to historic victories on behalf of women and the unborn in Michigan and across the country,” Roseboom said. “I am honored to call her a friend and mentor and will continue to rely on her wise advice and counsel.
“There is no question that the days ahead present new challenges to the cause for life with threats to women, parental rights and children of all ages, including the unborn. Our objective at Right to Life is to ensure women who face a possible abortion are presented with the information, tools and practical support that enable them to courageously make another choice – the choice for life.”
