Why Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies is in rude health

Voyeuristic, sensationalist, revolting… Embarrassing Bodies is accused of being all of these. So why are people prepared to share their unsightly medical problems with a record-breaking TV audience?

Stop this slut-shaming

Laurie Penny: The word sexualisation is a troubling cultural shorthand – it sends girls an unhelpful message

Young patients turn to blogs to make cancer public

Three young people explain how writing a blog helps them explore their feelings about what it's like to live with the disease

Marie Stopes launches first UK TV ads for abortion services

Controversial campaign aims to 'empower women to reach confident, informed decisions about their sexual health'. By Mark Sweney

Abortion ad blocked in Northern Ireland

Channel 4 has banned Marie Stopes advert from being broadcast in Northern Ireland, where abortion is still illegal

Abortion services to be advertised on UK television for first time

Planned screening provokes an enthusiastic welcome from advocates of women's sexual health, and outrage from anti-abortion groups

Cancer scare headlines are not new

Richard Evans: Scientists and journalists have been publishing overblown reports for a century – no wonder people still don't trust them

Skinny male mannequins raise eating disorder fears

Eating disorder campaigners say mannequins with 27in waists portray unrealistic image and may encourage men to starve

Is the end of the Happy Meal in sight?

Officials in Santa Clara county, California, have voted to ban the practice of giving away free toys to children with unhealthy restaurant meals. Is this a step in the right direction?

Libel laws: a lethal muzzle of medicine

Ben Goldacre: The chiropractors' absurd pursuit of Simon Singh is over, but libel laws are still a real health hazard