In This Issue:
- PRI in the Media
- U.S. and China’s Trade Truce
- Trump’s Hidden Message to Xi
- China’s Push for AI Dominance
- Anniversary of Mao’s Murderous Regime
- Deepening Depopulation
- Colombia’s Births Remain Near Historic Low
- Global Fertility Keeps Falling
- Communist China
- Christian Pastor Detained in Shanghai
- UN Misdeeds
- UN Pro-Life Coalition Grows
- Pro-Life Around the World
- Netherlands Euthanizes Disabled Toddler
- Euthanasia Deaths Surge in Victoria
- Pro-Life on the Home Front
- Oregon Abortions Reach 16-Year High
- States Challenge Abortion Pill Shield Laws
- Good News
- Premature Baby Finally Goes Home
PRI in the Media
U.S. and China’s Trade Truce: This week, PRI President Steven Mosher joined Stuart Varney to discuss the latest developments in U.S. and China relations. Mr. Mosher weighed in on the two-month extension of the trade truce, questioning whether Beijing will follow through on its commitments given its past record. He also discussed the growing U.S. and China AI race and warned that China could use international AI regulations to constrain American development while continuing to advance its own capabilities.
Trump’s Hidden Message to Xi: Mr. Mosher appeared on The Larry O’Connor Show to discuss the hidden symbolism surrounding President Trump’s recent meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Mr. Mosher explained the political message behind a song performed at the state dinner, as well as the significance of Trump’s gift to Xi—an eagle statue crushing a snake. He also discussed how these carefully chosen gestures reflected Trump’s approach to China and the tensions underlying the relationship between the two countries.
China’s Push for AI Dominance: Recently, Mr. Mosher joined NewsNation to discuss the growing AI race between China and the United States. Mr. Mosher explained that the CCP’s extensive surveillance system reflects its desire to tightly control how Chinese citizens use AI, fearing the technology could be turned against the Party. He also warned that China is seeking strategic dominance in AI and argued that the U.S. should avoid agreements with Beijing.
Anniversary of Mao’s Murderous Regime: The Catholic League recently highlighted Mr. Mosher’s forthcoming book, The Underground Catholic Church: Stories of Faith Under Chinese Persecution, in an article marking the anniversary of Mao Zedong’s rise to power. The article examines the devastating legacy of Mao’s communist regime and the persecution endured by Chinese Catholics. Catholic League President Bill Donohue recommended Mr. Mosher’s book and announced plans to feature it in the organization’s monthly journal, Catalyst.
Deepening Depopulation
Colombia’s Births Remain Near Historic Low: Colombia recorded 253,175 births during the first seven months of 2026, a slight 1.5% increase from 2025. But the small uptick does little to reverse the country’s demographic decline. Births remain nearly 100,000 below 2021 levels, while Colombia’s fertility rate fell to a record-low 1.0 child per woman in 2025.
“The days of the large Latin American family are long past,” says Mr. Mosher. “Countries south of the border are suffering the same birth dearth that the U.S. and Canada are—and for the same reasons: urbanization, modernization, and high percentages of women in the work force. The problem is rapidly becoming worse because of declining marriage rates among the younger generation. This is a trend that apparently has no bottom.”
Global Fertility Keeps Falling: New research suggests the worldwide fertility collapse may continue, with researchers finding no strong evidence that fertility rates naturally rebound after reaching historic lows. Across multiple datasets, researchers found that when fertility falls low, it tends to keep falling. In the U.S., births have already plummeted nearly 25% since 2007, while deaths now outnumber births in more than half of states.
Communist China
Christian Pastor Detained in Shanghai: Chinese authorities detained Pastor Jiao Yong in Shanghai on September 21, reportedly without showing a warrant, amid an expanding crackdown on Xi’an Zion’s Light Church. Jiao was previously detained during a 2025 operation targeting church leaders and members. His family has received no reliable information about his whereabouts, while other pastors remain detained as authorities pursue fraud charges against Christian leaders.
“The Chinese Communist Party continues its efforts to crush China’s underground church,” says Mr. Mosher. “The choice for Christians is stark: either submit to government control over all aspects of your faith, or hold secret prayer meetings hidden from the authorities.”
UN Misdeeds
UN Pro-Life Coalition Grows: The international coalition behind the Geneva Consensus Declaration has grown to 46 nations after Algeria, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago signed the agreement during the UN General Assembly. The declaration affirms that there is no international right to abortion while promoting family and national sovereignty. U.S. officials encouraged participating nations to work together to oppose efforts to advance abortion through UN policy.
Pro-Life Around the World
Netherlands Euthanizes Disabled Toddler: In a disturbing first, doctors in the Netherlands euthanized a severely disabled toddler under new rules allowing euthanasia for children ages 1 to 12. The child suffered from extensive brain damage, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Some doctors initially opposed euthanasia, finding that the child was not suffering unbearably and that palliative options remained. A later assessment approved ending the child’s life.
“Euthanasia was sold as allowing the elderly to decide the time of their passing,” says Mr. Mosher. “But it was always obvious that it wouldn’t stop there, especially in cost-conscious, state-run medical systems. The Netherlands has now begun euthanizing children, while in Canada the elderly are being killed against their will.”
Euthanasia Deaths Surge in Victoria: Euthanasia and assisted-suicide deaths continue to climb in Victoria, Australia, with 512 deaths recorded in 2025–2026—a 31% increase from the previous year. Euthanasia cases alone jumped nearly 60%. Alarmingly, 179 applicants had not accessed palliative care. Despite the rising death toll, Victoria is set to further expand its euthanasia and assisted-suicide laws in 2027.
Pro-Life on the Home Front
Oregon Abortions Reach 16-Year High: Oregon reported 10,495 abortions in 2025, a 6% increase from 2024 and the highest total reported by the state since 2009. Drug-induced abortions also rose 6%, accounting for 63% of all abortions. Telehealth abortions surged seven-fold, from 31 to 251, while 228 abortions were performed at 23 weeks or later. Oregon permits abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy.
States Challenge Abortion Pill Shield Laws: Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas have asked the Supreme Court to strike down shield laws in New York, California, and Massachusetts that protect abortion-pill providers from out-of-state investigations. The states also sued more than 30 people and organizations accused of illegally shipping abortion drugs into pro-life states. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill argues the shield laws prevent states from enforcing their own abortion laws.
Good News
Premature Baby Finally Goes Home: Baby Adonis, born at just 24 weeks and weighing less than two pounds, has finally gone home after spending a record-breaking 334 days in intensive care. Adonis battled pneumonia during his nearly year-long hospital stay. His nurse called his recovery a “miracle,” saying premature babies like Adonis can exceed expectations when given a chance.
Quote of the Week
“We pray that Archbishop Sheen’s heroic commitment to nourishing the soul of our country will inspire others to follow his example and lift our Nation upward and ever higher to God.”
~ President Donald J. Trump
