UK Mums-to-be Sent Home From Afghan War

LONDON -- Ten British soldiers stationed in Afghanistan have been sent back to England during the past six months after becoming pregnant, authorities say.

Despite a "no touching" rule, many servicewomen may have had relations with colleagues, The Mail on Sunday reported. Those pregnant may be investigated for breaking sexual conduct rules, the Ministry of Defense said.

Disciplinary procedures can include dismissal from service, the British newspaper said.

"It is not an offense for a servicewoman to be pregnant, but there is a code of conduct and it is to do with anything that would damage operational effectiveness, ''a Ministry of Defense source said.

Some servicewomen may have become pregnant before embarking on their tour of duty, discovering their condition after arriving in the battle zone, a ministry source said.

"If women become or discover they are pregnant on operations, they are returned to the U.K. at the first opportunity," another ministry spokesman said.

Approximately 80,000 British troops have been sent to Afghanistan since 2001 and women make up about 9 percent of that amount, The Mail reported.