By now you’ve likely heard about Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo’s policy in Iraq for pregnant soldiers. Last month he listed pregnancy as a reason for court-martialing soldiers, meaning female soldiers who become pregnant while on duty in Iraq are not only immediately sent home, which is already standard policy, but could face jail time. This morning he backed off, saying he would never actually jail a pregnant woman, but was trying to make a point. Seven soldiers have already been punished under the new policy, receiving letters of reprimand.
First of all, I understand his reasoning to a point: when a soldier becomes pregnant and is sent home, the unit she leaves behind is left in a weaker state without her. “Anyone who leaves this fight earlier than the expected 12-month deployment creates a burden on their teammates,” Cucolo said in a written statement. On the otherhand, the punishment was intended for all soldiers, even married couples. That seems a little ridiculous to me, since having a family should be a basic human right. It shouldn’t be controlled by the government, not even in times or turf of war.
I’m wondering if he really intended to punish pregnant women that severely and is now taking a different stance because of the public’s reaction. Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women, is quoted as saying, “How dare any government say we’re going to impose any kind of punishment on women for getting pregnant. This is not the 1800s.” I have to agree with her. Anybody who has ever tried to get pregnant or prevent pregnancy realizes that aside from abstinence, it’s not entirely in a person’s control. The government certainly can’t expect married couples stationed in Iraq to abstain during their 12 month stay.
What is your opinion on pregnant women in the military?
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