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Iraq War widow chooses to have husband's baby

The Sutherland family at home in North Pole, AK: Maria Sutherland cradles baby Stephen Sutherland II as her oldest son Omar looks on. Behind them is middle son Victor holding one of the family cats.
Libby Casey
The Sutherland family at home in North Pole, AK: Maria Sutherland cradles baby Stephen Sutherland II as her oldest son Omar looks on. Behind them is middle son Victor holding one of the family cats.

By Libby Casey

Fairbanks, AK – A small number of Iraq War widows are choosing to get pregnant after their husbands have died, thanks to in vitro fertilization. The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't keep official track and only knows of four such cases. One of them is the Sutherland family in North Pole, AK. Staff Sergeant Stephen Sutherland was serving in Iraq with Fort Wainwright's 172nd Stryker Brigade when he was killed two years ago this month. KUAC's Libby Casey reports on his wife's decision to have his child, and what it has meant for their family.