Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a liquid pervious liner, a liquid-impermeable backing member and an absorbent position therebetween. The liner contains a plurality of perforations extending completely therethrough which are arranged in a central area and spaced away from the longitudinal side edges of the article. The article also contains a flow zone control layer having a first surface in contact with the perforated central area of the liner and a second surface in contact with the absorbent. The flow zone control layer facilitates dispersion of body fluid along the length thereof before allowing a substantial amount of the fluid to pass into the absorbent. The preferred flow zone material is a meltblown polymer and the preferred perforated cover is spunbonded polypropylene.