19 h. ago The Guardian view on maternity care failings: Wes Streeting’s new inquiry must learn from past mistakes, not repeat them | Editorial

The health secretary deserves praise for trying something new. But links between poor care and overstretched staff must not be avoidedThe announcement of a new inquiry into maternity care failures in England, including the shockingly higher risk of mortality faced by black and Asian mothers, indicates an overdue recognition that improvements are needed. From the devastating 2015 review of a decade of failure at Morecambe Bay, to last year’s birth trauma report from MPs, there is no shortage of evidence that women face unacceptable risks when giving birth on the NHS. The question is whether a review chaired by Wes Streeting himself can achieve what previous ones have not.His role as chair is not the only novel aspect of this inquiry. A panel including bereaved parents will share their experiences and knowledge, alongside expert evidence. This format should focus minds on the human consequences of systemic failures, including mother and baby deaths, and on the need for accountabi...

Events

33 h. ago Crash dummies used in car safety tests are still modeled after men despite higher risks for women

Although women face the threat of more injury risks in vehicle crashes, the crash test dummies used in U.S. safety tests are designed almost entirely around the body of a man

Events

3 d. ago When did ‘feminist critique’ of celebrities become nothing more than a snide telling

Those delivering paternalistic lectures to Sabrina Carpenter, Addison Rae and Sydney Sweeney would do well to revisit recent historySabrina Carpenter was accused of dragging women back into an unenlightened past last week, as the controversial cover for her new album was met with (apparently) feminist furore. It’s ironic, then, that the past is precisely where Carpenter’s most outspoken critics could do with looking. It’s clear that the general consensus is lurching grimly to the right when it comes to gender, and a new generation of young, female critics should be wary of falling into step. The debate about how we look at women, and what they want, risks limply missing the point.In the past few weeks, Sydney Sweeney has been chastised for selling sexy soap, and Addison Rae scolded for dancing in her underwear on stage. It’s odd that the backlash has been so immense, given the celebration of Halina Reijn’s Babygirl film just a few months ago. The SheEO Nicole Kidman slurping milk ou...

Politics

4 d. ago The controversial trans activist tearing her own community apart: Trans women say influencer Lilly Tino's 'rage

The controversy stemmed from a viral post that included mirror selfies of the 31-year-old as she 'rated' the women's bathrooms at Disney World in Florida.

Science

5 d. ago MP outrage at NHS over 'unfair' closure of only maternity unit in London borough with highest birthrate

Exclusive: Campaigners have warned that shutting Barking Birth Centre puts women at risk

Politics

6 d. ago I'm a strong, intelligent professional and enjoy this risky sex trend that horrifies the older generations: TRACEY COX reveals why women are engaging in dangerous bedroom act

Even the most open-minded middle-aged women will be shocked to learn that their younger counterparts willingly engage in an act that goes against everything feminism stands for.

Events

6 d. ago Voices: No woman should go to jail for ending a pregnancy – but the abortion law reforms don’t go far enough

This vote to decriminalise abortion was historic and long overdue, says barrister Charlotte Proudman – but if we stop here, we leave millions of women at risk

Events

6 d. ago Emma Radacanu's stalker ordeal is a grim reminder of ongoing risk to women's safety

Emma Raducanu's terrifying 'stalker' ordeal during the Dubai Tennis Championships was difficult to watch and unfortunately it's not the first time women's safety in the sport has been compromised

Economics

8 d. ago When women are having cancer symptoms dismissed, no wonder they turn to toxic ‘wellness’

Cancer cases are on the rise in young people but misdiagnosis remains an issue, with everything from anxiety to menopause named as the culprit. Helen Coffey investigates why women in particular are more at risk of having their pain overlooked – and whether mistrust in medicine is leading to the surge in patients turning to dangerous ‘alternative’ treatments

Events

1 week ago Experts flag new agonising risk of most popular contraceptive

Millions of women may be at higher risk of agonising infections that could cause infertility or life-threatening pregnancy complications, experts have revealed today.

Events

1 week ago Experts reveal EXACTLY how many drinks you can have per year before significantly raising your breast cancer risk

While no amount of alcohol is considered safe when it comes to cancer risk, experts have pinpointed the number of tipples where it becomes significant.

Events

1 week ago ‘We were sinking. I let her go’: how growing numbers of women are risking all to reach Europe by boat

The tragic drowning of seven women and girls just metres from the port of La Restinga has highlighted the growing number of female migrants crossing to the Canary Islands from west AfricaThe four women and three girls were just metres from the pier in the port of La Restinga in El Hierro, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, when they drowned on 28 May. Rescue teams had begun disembarking the first people early that morning when the vessel capsized.Photos and videos of the chaotic scenes show the boat partially submerged and completely overturned, with several people struggling to swim around it and others trying to climb on to the wrecked boat. Underneath, about 15 women and girls were trapped and fighting to get to the surface. Seven would not make it. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Warning issued to women using period tracker apps over 'real and frightening risks'

Experts have warned that women using menstrual tracking apps face privacy and safety risks

Events

1 week ago Major change to NHS smear tests that will see up to seven million women screened LESS often

The new protocol will be introduced from July, and applies to women aged 25 to 49 considered to be at low risk of the disease.

Politics

1 week ago Major change to NHS smear tests that will see women screened LESS often

The new protocol will be introduced from July, and applies to women aged 25 to 49 considered to be at low risk of the disease.

Politics

2 w. ago Women with genetic cancer risk being ‘missed’ due to testing gaps – study

Some cancer patients have Lynch syndrome, which needs to be confirmed by genetic testing.

Events

2 w. ago More testing needed for genetic cancer risk as too many women ‘missed,’ experts say

A rare hereditary condition can elevate the risk of several kinds of cancer

Events

2 w. ago Many Black women consider synthetic braids safe. A study found toxins in all the brands it tested

Chemicals found in the braiding hair have been linked to increased cancer risk and organ damageIn recent years, personal care products marketed at Black women have received increased scrutiny for their toxicity, specifically chemical hair straighteners. These perms, also known as “relaxers”, have been condemned for causing severe health problems, including fertility issues, scalp irritations and increased risk of cancer.In light of this, many Black women have turned to natural hairstyles, including braids, as a way to avoid toxic chemicals. But recent research has revealed that popular brands of synthetic braiding hair, human-made extensions that are used in these protective styles, contain dangerous carcinogens, heavy metals and other toxins. Tested brands included in a recent study from Consumer Reports (CR) were Magic Fingers, The Sassy Collection, Shake-N-Go, Darling, Debut, Hbegant and Sensationnel, all mass producers of synthetic braiding hair. According to the CR study, all t...

Politics

2 w. ago UK drugs chiefs' slimming jab warning: Injections make contraception ineffective...and could cause birth defects

The warning comes after numerous reports of women having unplanned pregnancies while on jabs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, despite using contraception.

Events

3 w. ago Could you be at risk of a 'hidden' breast cancer that doesn't show up on scans? Vital questions to ask your doctor

The Mail on Sunday was among the first to raise the alarm over the NHS's outdated breast cancer screening practice. Now, a landmark study has found the programme needs urgent reform.

Science