The article discusses a course on puberty called 'For Girls Only' that has become popular in Seattle and the Bay Area, attracting 14,000 attendees last year. The course aims to facilitate open dialogue between parents and children about the changes that come with puberty. It was created by Julie Metzger, a graduate of the University of Washington School of Nursing, who wanted to improve the way information about menarche and other aspects of puberty is communicated. Despite initial resistance from children like fifth-grader Leah Likin, the course has been successful in creating a comfortable environment for families to discuss these topics. Metzger, with her background in health and personal comfort with the subject, has been leading these sessions with passion and emotional engagement.

Cervical cancer is a lethal threat to women in the developing world, unlike in the United States where routine Pap smears are common. David Walmer, a fertility specialist, created the CerviScope, a portable device to help prevent cervical cancer. Kristina McCain, a gynecologist from Nashville, has used the CerviScope on medical missions in countries like Haiti, Guatemala, India, and Malawi. The device allows for accurate diagnosis without unnecessary biopsies. McCain's use of the CerviScope on a 19-year-old Indian woman, a rescued sex slave who was H.I.V. positive, led to the timely treatment of adenocarcinoma, effectively saving her life.

The role of doulas, traditionally seen as women's work, is being challenged by men entering the field, despite skepticism and criticism. Male doulas like Mr. Goldman are providing emotional support and physical comfort during childbirth, a role that has evolved since the 1970s when doctors, mostly men, dominated the birthing process. The presence of male doulas is appreciated by some for their nurturing qualities and physical strength. The market for doulas is still small, with less than 10 percent of women hiring them, and insurance typically does not cover their services. The gender balance in obstetrics has shifted, with the majority of new obstetricians now being women. Male doulas like Keith Roberts find their role not only in pain relief but also in providing comfort to the fathers. Personal stories, such as Jenn Mason's emergency C-section and Mr. Goldman's own experience assisting in the birth of his daughter, illustrate the impact and acceptance of male doulas.

The article tells the heartwarming story of Melissa Brown, a breast cancer survivor, and her sister Jessica, who offered to be a gestational surrogate for Melissa after her cancer treatment. Melissa, an attorney, and her husband Steve Mohler, a software engineer at Lockheed Martin, had their embryos frozen before Melissa's cancer treatment. Due to the risk of cancer recurrence with pregnancy, Melissa's oncologist advised against her getting pregnant. Jessica, a jeweler, decided to carry the pregnancy for her sister, despite not being the typical profile for a surrogate. The process was successful, and Jessica gave birth to twins, Brendan and Gabriella. The story highlights the sisters' bond and the journey they went through, from dealing with their mother's breast cancer to the joy of new life with the twins.