Embossed absorbent article

An article ( 20 ) comprises a deformation-control member which can include an extending medial section ( 38 ), and a selected stiffened region (34). The stiffened region ( 34 ) can include a first array ( 40 ) of individual, stiffening elements ( 35 ), and at least a second array ( 50 ) of individual, stiffening elements ( 37 ). In particular features, each of the first and second arrays ( 40, 50 ) of stiffening elements can have a convergently arranged nose-end ( 70, 78 ), and a relatively divergently arranged tail-end ( 74, 80 ). In another feature, the first and second arrays ( 40, 50 ) of stiffening elements ( 35, 37 ) can be configured to substantially avoid intersecting in the medial section (38) of the deformation-control member. In a further feature, the second array ( 50 ) of stiffening elements ( 37 ) can have a counter-positioned configuration relative to the first array ( 40 ) of stiffening elements ( 35 ).