| E-NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER
Vienna, Virginia
http://www.nvic.org
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http://www.portsmouthtoday.co.uk
Portsmouth Today, UK March 13, 2004 AN ARMY medic whose wife blew
the whistle on a potential anthrax scandal has been kicked out of
his regiment. Lance-Corporal Andy Saupe, whose son Kye died at five
weeks old, is to be booted out of his unit after his wife Alex raised
concerns about the vaccine to The News.
The Ministry of Defence claims L/Cpl Saupe is being moved from
33 Field Hospital, based at Fort Blockhouse in Gosport, because
Mrs Saupe's claims have damaged morale. Calls have been growing
for a full inquiry into the cluster of tragedies at the 33 Field
Hospital. Out of the 11 pregnancies since the unit came back from
the Gulf War, eight babies have died and two have suffered complications.
The problem-free pregnancy was to the only couple who did not have
the controversial vaccine.
L/Cpl Saupe, of Rowner, Gosport, is barred by MoD bosses from speaking
to The News but his father-in-law, Ray Anderson, said: 'They are
doing this to punish him. 'They are trying to silence him and shut
him up. It's absolutely disgusting the way he has been treated.'
In a statement the MoD said: 'It was explained to Cpl Saupe that
his position in the unit had become untenable. 'This has been due
to the reaction of other soldiers to recent media activity.
In view of this, Cpl Saupe was informed that the commanding officer
would be seeking an alternative posting for him. The commanding
officer also explained that efforts would be made to ensure the
new posting would be local, so that Cpl and Mrs Saupe could remain
in the area.'
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