As a gynaecologist in India, I witness women and girls’ struggle to obtain basic sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, often from a system that is ignorant of their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). During my residency training, I saw a mother bring her 14-year-old-daughter to the hospital for an abortion. The girl had been raped by a family member. The family was hesitant to file a complaint with the police to maintain her confidentiality and protect her from stigma but were desperate that their daughter does not go through a traumatic pregnancy. While the abortion was provided, the hospital staff was less than sensitive towards them. Two decades later, I still see women and young girls suffering from loss of dignity and respect and struggling to assert autonomy over their SRH and their bodies. This is something we must urgently address.