Sister Julienne is on secondment and is amazed by the medical advances in use at a busy local hospital. A traumatic birth however soon leads her to question moral issues. Ian is overjoyed when he is accepted into university, but Linda falls pregnant and could throw his plans into jeopardy. Trixie and Tom try and help Linda and Ian out, as the family begins to fall apart.

A spate of violent attacks on women impacts directly on the residents of Nonnatus House. A secret pregnancy threatens the life of a young girl.