Pregnant in Ireland: ‘I had no control and was made to feel ashamed’

The eighth amendment does not allow women the right to informed consent or refusal of treatment during pregnancy – why is this tolerated?

Sepsis: the truth about this hidden killer

Sepsis is responsible for more deaths in the UK than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. So why is so little known about it?

Medicine treats women as entirely passive – being ‘told’ about HRT is par for the course

I do not know a woman who hasn’t been patronised by a doctor or made to feel she should not complain

Thinking of suing the NHS? Here’s why you should think again

With medical negligence cases sharply up, citizens need to ask if they really want ever larger sums drained from services to go to a few claimants who can prove their case, writes Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

What’s stopping pharmacies doing more to reduce pressure on GPs?

Chemists can already provide vital services, such as the morning-after pill – but a new study shows they are being chronically underused

‘Listen to women’: UK doctors issued with first guidance on endometriosis

Disease, which causes crippling pain and can lead to infertility, affects 176 million women worldwide and currently takes seven to eight years to diagnose

UK families could get money off shopping bills if they hit exercise goals

NHS ‘healthy towns’ scheme could offer rewards such as free cinema tickets in attempt to reduce lifestyle-related illnesses

Severe birth trauma has left me terrified of having another child

Normally associated with soldiers, post-traumatic stress disorder affects 20,000 new mothers in the UK each year

The Guardian view on vaginal mesh implants: trust data and patients

Editorial: The devices have benefited a large number of women – but thousands have suffered serious adverse effects

Sexual health shake-up in south-west London unsafe, experts say

Cost-cutting plans in three boroughs will lead to more STIs, HIV and unintended pregnancies, senior doctors warn