plus 1, Commander to Rescind a Provision on Pregnancy - New York Times

Commander to Rescind a Provision on Pregnancy - New York Times

Posted: 26 Dec 2009 02:34 AM PST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top United States commander in Iraq intends to rescind a policy that had placed pregnant soldiers at risk of discipline.

The commander, Gen. Ray Odierno, has drafted a broad new policy for American forces in Iraq that will take effect Jan. 1 and will not include a pregnancy provision that one of his subordinate commanders enacted last month, the United States military command in Iraq said Thursday.

The news of General Odierno's order comes about a week after the pregnancy policy issued by Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo set off widespread criticism. General Cucolo had issued a policy that would permit the punishment of soldiers who become pregnant and their sexual partners.

The pregnancy provision was one of a variety of offenses for which General Cucolo said punishments could range from minor discipline to a court-martial.

In a conference call with reporters earlier this week, he said he would never actually seek to jail someone over a pregnancy. General Cucolo said the policy had been intended to emphasize the problems created when pregnant soldiers go home and leave behind a weaker unit.

The new general order issued by General Odierno, which follows a full review of existing orders, consolidates and replaces several general orders from United States commanders across Iraq.

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Jennifer Hudson Deflates Pregnancy Report - AceShowbiz

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 07:55 PM PST

A representative for Jennifer confirms the actress-singer is not pregnant, adding she is busy with upcoming film and music projects.

Through her representative Lisa Kasteler, Jennifer Hudson denies mounting Internet reports that she is pregnant with her second child. "Contrary to what has been falsely reported, Jennifer Hudson is not pregnant," the representative says in a statement.

Providing evidence to quash the false pregnancy claim, Lisa reveals, "Jennifer leaves in April for South Africa where she will portray Winnie Mandela in the feature film, 'Winnie'." She continues stating, "It is a commitment she is excited about and takes very seriously. Jennifer is currently in the studio recording her second album and this is the only delivery she is looking forward to in 2010."

On Tuesday, December 22, Star Magazine ran an exclusive story that Jennifer Hudson was pregnant with a second child. The "American Idol" alum and actor fiance David Otunga were said learning that they were expecting on December 10.

"Jennifer was in total shock when she found out she was having another baby," the magazine quoted what it called as Jennifer's close friend as claiming. "She had wanted some space between the kids' ages." However, "She and David love kids. It's another thing for them to celebrate during the holidays," added the friend.

Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga welcomed their first child, son David Daniel Otunga Jr., on August 10 this year. The pair has been engaged since September 2008.