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Abortion is ‘gruesome sign’ of what society has forgotten, says Catholic archbishop

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While Christian leaders continue to celebrate the overturning of Roe v. Wade this past June, they acknowledge there is still work to be done to empower and support pregnant women and the babies they deliver.

The new head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Michael Burbidge, said the pro-life movement will have to adjust its strategies in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which struck down the landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade.

On the second day of the USCCB’s 2022 Fall General Assembly this past week in Baltimore, Maryland, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, noted there are “so many ministries” within the Catholic Church that are “helping our brothers and sisters at every stage of life that are asking for support and help.”  

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Burbidge was clear the work is not finished in the wake of the Dobbs decision.

“I think we have to continue to educate,” he said at the conference. 

“We have to continue to do advocacy and witnessing. But service is at the heart of what being pro-life is — and we do that at every stage, from mothers in crisis pregnancies [to] mothers in need [and] protecting the unborn.”

"Service is at the heart of what being pro-life is, and we do that at every stage, from mothers in crisis pregnancies [to] mothers in need [and] protecting the unborn," said Bishop Burbidge of Arlington.

“Service is at the heart of what being pro-life is, and we do that at every stage, from mothers in crisis pregnancies [to] mothers in need [and] protecting the unborn,” said Bishop Burbidge of Arlington.
(iStock)

As the individual states now grapple with the abortion issue, Burbidge said he is facing a unique challenge compared to past chairmen of the pro-life committee. 

States such as New York, Michigan and California guarantee access to abortion in their state laws. Other states have moved or are moving to restrict the procedure.

“Here are some resources that will help you to engage with elected officials and to inspire your neighbors and your family members …”

Burbidge said he believes his role is to “provide resources for people who are out in the field,” including his brother bishops, pro-life directors at the local level and ordinary laypersons. 

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“And so our job is [to say], ‘Hey, listen, let’s make sure you know what’s at stake in your local state right now, and here are some resources that will help you to engage with elected officials and to inspire your neighbors and your family members to be part of this issue.'” 

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, wants to shift the focus to providing resources and advocacy to those on the local level. 

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, wants to shift the focus to providing resources and advocacy to those on the local level. 
(Paul Tomas/Diocese of Raleigh, N.C., via AP)

Kat Talalas, associate director of pro-life communications at USCCB, told Fox News Digital that the Dobbs decision was “a great moral and spiritual victory of our time” — and that “we praise God for the fruit borne of the prayers and sacrifices of millions of faithful pro-lifers.”

She added, “The Catholic Church will continue to advocate for the protection of human life at the federal and state level, expand education [about] the extreme cruelty of pro-abortion legislation and proclaim the value of every human life.”

“Abortion destroys innocent human life, and it also weakens the fabric of society.”

The Church, she explained, is the “largest provider of social services outside the government,” and is “poised to support women in need all over the United States.” 

In addition to religious orders such as the Sisters of Life, Catholic hospitals and Church-affiliated pregnancy care centers, the USCCB sponsors parish ministry called “Walking with Moms in Need,” said Talalas. 

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“The Church also continues to extend Christ’s mercy to men and women who have been wounded by abortion through the confidential and compassionate help of Project Rachel Ministry,” she said, referencing the Catholic Church ministry that helps those who have been involved in abortion.

Pro-life protesters gather outside the Supreme Court in late June. "The Catholic Church will continue to advocate for the protection of human life at the federal and state level, expand education [about] the extreme cruelty of pro-abortion legislation and proclaim the value of every human life," said Kat Talalas of the USCCB.

Pro-life protesters gather outside the Supreme Court in late June. “The Catholic Church will continue to advocate for the protection of human life at the federal and state level, expand education [about] the extreme cruelty of pro-abortion legislation and proclaim the value of every human life,” said Kat Talalas of the USCCB.
(Photo by Joshua Comins/Fox News)

Burbidge was elected chairman on Wednesday, Nov. 16, after Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore vacated the role. 

This past week, Lori was also elected vice president of the USCCB. In a presentation to the assembly, he spoke candidly about the reality of abortion, calling it a “gruesome sign that we have forgotten that we belong together.”  

While the overturning of Roe v. Wade was a “great victory,” it would be a “pyrrhic victory” if hearts and minds are not changed on the issue of abortion, said Lori.

“We are bound to these women and their unborn children by bonds of a common humanity, by bonds of radical solidarity,” he said. 

“Abortion destroys innocent human life, and it also weakens the fabric of society,” said Lori. “It weakens the sense that we are all brothers and sisters.”

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Lori said that while the overturning of Roe v. Wade was a “great victory,” it would be a “pyrrhic victory” if hearts and minds are not changed on the issue of abortion.

The Church will win hearts and minds by sharing and honoring "the innate dignity of both mother and child and our radical solidarity with one another," said Archbishop Lori.

The Church will win hearts and minds by sharing and honoring “the innate dignity of both mother and child and our radical solidarity with one another,” said Archbishop Lori.
(iStock/AP)

“Our Catholic schools are doing heroic work in educating the poor, our Catholic charities are doing heroic work in assisting the poor. Our conference, and our state Catholic conferences, are voices for justice and peace,” he said. 

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But still, “we have more work to do” in sharing Church teachings on abortion — and particularly about educating Catholics who consider themselves to be pro-choice.

“We must not hesitate to engage our fellow Catholics, and encourage them to be closer to the mind and heart of the Church,” he said. 

I’M SO GRATEFUL MY BIRTH MOM CHOSE LIFE 

Lori said the Church will win hearts and minds “by laying open its heart and its soul” — and by sharing and honoring “the innate dignity of both mother and child and our radical solidarity with one another.” 

The Church must do more to assist mothers after the birth of their children, suggested Archbishop William Lori of the Catholic Church.

The Church must do more to assist mothers after the birth of their children, suggested Archbishop William Lori of the Catholic Church.
(iStock)

In essence, he said the Church must do more to assist mothers not only during pregnancy and birth, but afterward — and help in providing for them and their child’s needs. 

This, Lori explained, would enable the Church to “speak credibly in a polarized society” on the issue of life. 

“We must continue our hard work of lessening, even eliminating, any divisions, either in our conference or in our dioceses, between our pro-life advocacy on the one hand and our ministries of charity and justice on the other,” he said. 

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He also said the Church can’t ignore the issues that push women toward abortion, said Lori. 

He said that “radical solidarity with mothers and their pre-born children calls us to move beyond stale debates and harmful divisions within our own ministries.” 

“Now is the time to move ahead in baring a robust and united witness to the truth, beauty and inviolable dignity of human life at every stage,” he said. 

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“Our commitment to the sanctity of life from the moment of conception is in full accord with our commitment to serve the poor, to welcome the stranger, to work for juvenile justice reform or to end capital punishment,” he also said.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/abortion-gruesome-sign-society-forgotten-church-archbishop

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Underage drinking dangers: These are the states with the highest rates of teen alcohol use, study finds

A new study done by addiction recovery resource Addiction Treatment Magazine has revealed the states that have the highest and lowest prevalence of underage drinking.

Researchers looked at the number of young people between the ages of 12 and 20 who had consumed an alcoholic drink within the last month and had participated in binge-drinking, which is classified as consuming four or more drinks in one sitting, according to a press release on the publication’s website.

The data was drawn from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) based on the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

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The study determined that the state of Vermont has the highest prevalence of drinkers between the ages of 12 and 20 in the U.S., according to the release.

Nearly 25% of minors in the state had consumed alcohol, and more than 14% had participated in binge-drinking. 

Teens drinking

A new study has revealed the states in the nation that have the highest and lowest prevalence of underage drinking. (iStock)

Other states with high rates include Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  

In Rhode Island, nearly 22% of young people between the ages 12 and 20 consume alcohol monthly, and 12% of minors consume four or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting, the study found.

In New Hampshire, 20.6% of people between the ages 12 and 20 had consumed alcohol in the last month. 

The share was 20.4% for Massachusetts. 

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Rounding out the top 10 are the states of Oregon, Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado, Maine and North Dakota.

At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi has the lowest prevalence of underage drinking, with only 9.7% of underage people consuming alcohol. 

It also has the lowest binge-drinking rate, at only 5.4%, according to the study. 

College drinking

One possible reason that Vermont has topped the list is that it is a rural state with many colleges and universities — the highest number per capita of any state — said a clinical director of addiction services.  (iStock)

Utah is the second-lowest, at 11% for alcohol consumption and 6.8% for binge-drinking among the underage population. 

Coming in at third lowest is North Carolina, where 11.3% of underage people consumed alcohol in the last month.

Alabama is also on the lower end at 12%, followed by Arkansas at 12.3%.

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Rounding out the lower 10 are Indiana, Georgia, Idaho, Tennessee and Texas. 

“It’s no secret that underage drinking is a major concern in the United States, as it can pose several significant risks to the well-being of young people, including health risks, impaired judgment and the risk of dependency and addiction,” said a spokesperson for Addiction Treatment Magazine in the release.

Teens drinking

Overall, the findings indicate that the use of alcohol in young people continues to be a concern, said Tuell of the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio. (iStock)

“These findings provide an intriguing insight into where underage drinking is the most prominent throughout the country, with Vermont coming out on top. While progress has been made in reducing underage drinking rates, it is still a matter of concern, and ongoing efforts are necessary to address this issue and protect the health and safety of young people,” the spokesperson continued.

Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services for the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio, was not involved in the study, but said he wasn’t surprised by the findings.

“A parent’s position on underage drinking is paramount and is one of the strongest protective factors against underage drinking.”

“The Northeast has had a history of higher rates of underage drinking for the past 20 years,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview. “There continues to be no definitive reason why these rates are the way they are.”

One possible reason for Vermont’s topping the list, he said, is that it is a rural state with many colleges and universities — the highest number per capita of any state.

young people drinking beer outside

“The research is crystal-clear that early alcohol use before the age of 15 raises the risk of lifelong problems of addiction and alcoholism,” warned Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services for the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio.  (iStock)

Overall, the findings indicate that the use of alcohol in young people continues to be a concern, Tuell said.

“The research is crystal-clear that early alcohol use before the age of 15 raises the risk of lifelong problems of addiction and alcoholism,” he warned. 

“Early alcohol use — drinking at age 14 or earlier — [means a] 7 times greater risk for developing an alcohol problem than someone who begins drinking at age 21.” 

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Other possible reasons for the high rates in some states may be related to how the packaging of alcohol is geared toward youth, such as flavored drinks, and the association of alcohol use with sporting events, the expert noted.

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“This promotes alcohol use in young people as a necessary part of having fun,” Tuell said.

“A parent’s position on underage drinking is paramount and is one of the strongest protective factors against underage drinking,” he also said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

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Coffee quiz! How much do you know about the can’t-live-without-it drink?

National Coffee Day is September 29 — and millions of people have recognized the special occasion. 

But no matter what day it is or what season of the year, how well do you know the popular drink that many people consume all year long? 

Test your knowledge in this fun and engaging lifestyle quiz all about coffee!

Mobile app users: Click here to play the quiz!

Have you taken our fall quiz yet? Click here to play it!

To take even more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click on this link.

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Best buys: 5 affordable wine picks from experts as fall gets underway

There’s a sudden chill in the air as autumn has arrived. 

And as the weather changes, you may be thinking about shifting your wine selections from summer to fall picks when you host friends and family in the autumn season. 

To lend a hand in those pursuits, wine experts from across the country shared with Fox News Digital their recommendations for wines under $50 a bottle for the new season. 

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Here’s to grape expectations!

2021 Educated Guess Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon, $30

This wine from Napa, California, is consistently picked by wine publications as a best buy and best in class by major wine publications.

That’s according to Amber Carner, tasting room supervisor of River Runs Deep Winery in downtown Napa.

woman drinking glass of wine

“I would pair this beautiful wine with a grilled ribeye steak with green chimichurri, roasted garlic mashed Yukon potatoes and grilled veggies with herbed butter,” said Amber Carner (not pictured), tasting room supervisor of River Runs Deep Winery in downtown Napa, California.  (iStock)

“Since our inception in 2005, we have been producing Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon as an answer to Napa Cabs that are two, three or four times its price,” Carner revealed to Fox News Digital. 

She added, “I would pair this beautiful wine with a grilled ribeye steak with green chimichurri, roasted garlic mashed Yukon potatoes and grilled veggies with herbed butter.”

2022 Sauvage Spectrum Teroldego from Grand Valley, Colorado, $32

Zachary Lewison, beverage manager and sommelier at Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado, said this wine is “an excellent and affordable wine, and great for embracing the fall season.”

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Lewison added, “As the weather cools off, we start cooking heartier dishes with potatoes, squashes and heavier proteins.” 

Grocery store displays different colors and varieties of potatoes for people to select.

Said Lewison of Vail, Colorado, “As the weather cools off, we start cooking heartier dishes with potatoes, squashes and heavier proteins.” Shown above, an array of potatoes.  (iStock)

So “this wine pairs great with those flavors, as it has notes of blackberry and dark cherry, and has a slightly spiced backbone.” 

2020 Blaufränkisch, Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey, $42

As the fall weather settles in, Mike Beneduce, vineyard manager and winemaker of Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey, recommended his vineyard’s signature red wine, Blaufränkisch. 

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“It’s a savory, medium-bodied red with aromas of wild blueberry, bonfire smoke and dark chocolate that pairs really well with hearty stews and soups, as well as with slow roasted meat and game,” Beneduce told Fox News Digital.

For people who are stuck in a rut of drinking the same wines over and over, this wine can offer a really different sensory experience, he said. 

wine

“It’s a savory, medium-bodied red with aromas of wild blueberry, bonfire smoke and dark chocolate that pairs really well with hearty stews and soups, as well as with slow roasted meat and game,” Beneduce of Beneduce Vineyards in Pittsdown, New Jersey, told Fox News Digital, about his 2020 Blaufränkisch.  (iStock)

“It’s made from sustainably grown grapes entirely from our own farm here in Pittstown,” he said.

“It’s offered in limited quantities to customers visiting our tasting room, online shop and members of our Moonlighter’s Wine Club,” he also noted.

2020 Teroldego, South Shore Wine Company in the Lake Erie AVA, Pennsylvania, $27

Blaine Ballard, brand ambassador of Robert Mazza, Inc.’s Mazza Wineries, said this red variety is a great wine for a hearty fall dinner.  

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“This wine is full of bright fruit balanced by a vibrant acidity,” Ballard said.

“A bit of earthiness and black pepper rounds out the palate,” she added.

Family has a discussion at the dinner table

Wine experts from across the country shared recommendations for wines under $50 a bottle for the new fall season.  (iStock)

“A careful oak aging approach rounds out the wine, resulting in a wonderful depth of character sure to complement a wide variety of fall dishes. Hearty Osso Bucco or rustic poultry dishes would pair well with this wine,” Ballard also noted.

2017 Krupp Brothers Just Dessert wine, Napa, California, $45

This “Just Dessert” wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grapes, making it the perfect dessert wine to share at the end of a fall meal, said Tyler Hinsley, tasting room manager with Krupp Brothers, in downtown Napa, California. 

“This is a wine that I’ll choose to have at the dinner table for making more holiday memories this year.”

“Pour yourself a small, chilled glass of this wine alongside a warm pecan pie, a créme brûlée, peach cobbler, lemon cheesecake or Grandma’s snickerdoodle cookies,” Hinsley told Fox News Digital. 

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“It is worth each sip, especially when you see the smiles of your friends and family when you share this wine and pair it with a delicious dessert.”

He also said, “This is a wine that I’ll choose to have at the dinner table for making more holiday memories this year.”

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