Several essential first steps have been taken. While important first steps have been taken, concerted efforts will, undoubtedly, be needed to sustain the momentum. In addition, many unaddressed problems still remain. Reproductive health is inextricably linked to the issue of rights. The removal of method-specific targets implies that people can now make informed contraceptive choices.
Contraceptive choice is linked to larger reproductive choice issues and to reproductive rights.
Poor women in India have few life choices. Reproductive rights have not as yet been brought into the national discourse. Reproductive rights cannot be realised if gender disparities prevail. Efforts by the government, NGOs, and the private sector must be supported by those of the people, the civil society at large, to sustain the momentum to operationalise reproductive health and rights, and to bring about social change that will eventually determine the success of these endeavours. The government alone cannot achieve these ambitious goals.