Independent midwives: why we can’t afford to lose them
New legislation could lead to many independent midwives being outlawed. Where does that leave the women who have them to thank for their transformative birth experiences?
The best of all possible worlds?
Michael Cohen: Not yet, but as a UN report proves, we're making global progress. The other good news is that government really works
Female genital mutilation: the UK must act now
Carlene Firmin: With an estimated 20,000 girls at risk in the UK, teachers and health professionals must be on alert over female genital mutilation
The Muslim Brotherhood has shown its contempt for Egypt’s women
Amira Nowaira: In rejecting a draft UN declaration calling for an end to violence against women, the organisation's blatant misogyny is exposed
Young people deserve better education about abortion
Even in countries where abortion is legal, access is limited or restricted, says Doortje Braeken
HIV and women over 50: ‘I’ve had to make this journey almost entirely alone’
Five years ago – at the age of 53 – Anna contracted HIV. Her story is typical of the UK's fastest-growing group of women living with the virus
Asylum seekers deserve better maternity care
This Mother's Day Anna Musgrave was busy working with the mums who seem to have been forgotten – asylum-seekers denied the dignity in pregnancy the rest of us expect in the UK
Helen Clark: UN must not backtrack on women’s reproductive rights
Head of UN development programme sounds warning as Malta, Russia and Vatican try to remove references to sexual rights
UK funds aim to end female genital mutilation ‘in a generation’
Britain pledges up to £35m to help eliminate FGM, but changing tradition poses huge challenge for campaigners
Eat your own placenta, January Jones? – No thanks
Deborah Orr: Betty from Mad Men recommends it after giving birth, but I'll stick with tea and toast