No One Should Walk Alone: Ryan-Simone Duncan’s Story and the Power of Community

by Jevin Smith,

08/01/2025

Abortion is one of the most intensely debated issues in the United States but we rarely hear from the people who’ve actually been affected by the changes in reproductive healthcare. Instead of centering the real experiences behind the headlines, conversations around abortion often stay political, distant, and impersonal. Behind every decision is a story, one that is complex and emotional. These stories matter because they have the power to shift the perspective and challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding abortion and reproductive healthcare.

I sat down with my friend, Ryan-Simone Duncan, and had a conversation about her experiences and her advocacy for reproductive rights. Raised in Yokosuka, Japan during her father’s time in the Navy, she went on to graduate from Howard University,  known as one of the top, prestigious, universities in the country, and ranked by Forbes as the #1 historically black college or university. Through her advocacy, the accomplished, young 25-year old,  has starred in commercials and given speeches advocating for proper access to abortions, even meeting with state and federal officials to speak about these issues that have harmfully impacted millions of Americans. 

June 11th - Ryan-Simone talking to US Rep. Ayanna Pressley, at a Medicaid rally in Washington, DC Photo courtesy of Ryan-Simone Duncan

First, let’s talk about Ryan-Simone’s own experience with abortion,  a story she was willing to share, and the impact it had on her life and how it steered her journey. When telling her story, there was one theme that came up the most, which was community. No matter what we may be going through, it’s important to have someone who is there to support and uplift us.  In the case of abortions, it is no different, which is what The Ruth Collective’s mission is all about. 

Ryan-Simone's story begins with a very painful memory, but she tells it anyway. “I was raped when I was 14. That’s how I lost my virginity, setting the tone for what I would expect out of sexual interactions with men, and society didn’t do a good job at telling me otherwise.” She wasn’t given the proper help or resources she needed to deal with that. Because of this, she didn't say anything, believing it was the right thing to do.

“I’m glad I did what I needed to survive, but I didn’t realize how much it affected me. After I was raped, I developed a really bad drinking problem, because I didn’t have the therapy, and it led me down a dark path. I didn’t realize I had an addiction or avoidance problem. My first sexual interaction was rape; your first time can have a really big effect on you. That’s what I expected out of sexual interactions. The police tried to help me, but  I didn’t know what sex or statutory rape was. Because I gave in to it, I didn’t think I would win the case. A lot of the men I had sexual interactions with after were very similar to the one who raped me. I went on to align with another rapist who would take advantage of me. When I got pregnant, that’s when I woke up.” 

In 2022, Ryan-Simone was in an abusive relationship with a man who would coerce her into having sex with him. “He would always try to extend the nights we were together and stay until we did something together. It continued that way for a while. I was under the influence a lot during that time. I was very vulnerable in that situation.” She eventually became pregnant from one of these interactions, and she had her abortion in the fall of the same year. She discussed what life was like for her before and after the procedure. Although the abortion is something that she knew she wanted, she shared that it still weighed very heavily on her.

“Even though I didn’t want to have a baby, I became attached to what was growing inside me. I didn't realize how much pain I was in until that happened. I was still trying to figure out who I was. I was still in college, and I couldn't afford a baby. And I was very mentally unwell. If I had carried on with that pregnancy, I would not be here to tell you about it. A baby needs someone who will be there for them, and I couldn’t even be there for myself. Also, the man I would have had that baby with was very manipulative and abusive. I didn’t want to be attached to him for the rest of my life. If I had a baby, I would have withered away, and a baby doesn’t deserve that, and I don’t deserve that.” 

Luckily, her sister happened to be in town on the day of her appointment, and she was able to support Ryan-Simone throughout her process. “I would have been very much alone through such a difficult time if my sister had not been there. No one should have to go through something like that alone.” Her sister’s presence made her think about how many others go through similar situations without that kind of support, which is part of what motivated Ryan-Simone to speak out and make sure others feel seen. 

Ryan-Simone then told the story of how she became a Storyteller for Planned Parenthood and how much it means to her. A Storyteller is someone who shares their personal experiences with reproductive health care in hopes of inciting change within the healthcare system. She became one right after her abortion in 2022, where she was also featured in an article by Planned Parenthood. She moved back to Detroit in 2024 after graduating from college, and soon connected with someone in the Detroit area from the program. “When I moved to Detroit in fall 2024, I wanted to continue my advocacy. I reached out to the lady in DC and asked to be connected with the woman in Planned Parenthood.” 

From that moment, she created a viral TikTok about her story, one of the first times she had ever spoken publicly about her rape and abortion. After that video blew up, Planned Parenthood requested that she speak at an event on their behalf, in hopes of spreading awareness on why access to abortions is so necessary. “After the first speech, they kept inviting me back, and every time I was able to dig deeper and deeper into my story. I realized there was so much more that happened to me in my life. It was there where I shared how I was raped, and how that sent me on a really weird trajectory because I didn’t get the help that I needed.”

Why did she decide to tell her story, and why is it important for others to do the same, if and when they are ready? When it comes to her being a survivor, a big reason Ryan-Simone shares her story is because she wants to teach people that it is okay to speak up about their experiences. She thinks of her younger brother, a young transgender boy, whom  I once had the pleasure of meeting. Ryan-Simone said of her brother, “I want him to see that it’s ok to talk about these experiences when they happen, or prevent them from happening. I want to show him and other young people that their voices matter and that they can make a difference. I would hate to see something happen to him.” She believes it is important to have these conversations because she views them as preventative care, advocating for the importance of standing up for oneself. “Not only can it help others and show them that they aren’t alone in this, but it also helps yourself.  It’s great to see that you can help liberate others, too.”

During our conversation, Ryan-Simone emphasized how freeing it felt for her to share her story. She’s been met with warm embraces and waves of gratitude, but she has also been met with tears and people confessing to her their own stories, on the spot. “​I have felt so much lighter since talking about my experiences. I want to show other people that they too can free themselves…You can find so much love in that,  and in others,  and in yourself. You change your life, but you also change theirs, too.”

Ryan-Simone’s story serves as a reminder that healing and being seen never happen in isolation, which brings me back to the strong theme of community that was present throughout our discussion. We concluded by talking more about The Ruth Collective. I asked her why she thinks organizations like The Ruth Collective are necessary, and this is what she had to say:

“​​We need community, we need to know that there are people out there who care.  A  lot of people think abortions are easy, but they aren’t.  We need to know that there are people out there who will run that mile with us. We need things like The Ruth Collective to show there is hope and there are people who will help us through it.”

Ryan-Simone's journey is a reminder that truth-telling is so effective, but it's even more effective when grounded in real, compassionate support. The Ruth Collective harnesses both pieces of that equation. It's a model of care that's grounded in empathy, visibility, and the belief that no one has to navigate these types of experiences without support. Dana Hall, the founder of The Ruth Collective, describes it as “a compassionate and dynamic non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals to access vital reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare, particularly when travel out-of-state is required. Our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to bodily autonomy, social justice, and creating safe, equitable access to healthcare for all. We believe that by addressing the holistic, practical needs of individuals in their most vulnerable moments, we can foster resilience, promote healing, and ensure no one is denied essential care due to geographic or systemic barriers.” 

Ryan-Simone’s story affirms why this work is not only necessary but deeply personal. Her experience gives life to our mission and reminds us that stories like hers are not rare, but they are just, too often, unheard. This is exactly why The Ruth Collective exists. To listen, to uplift, and to ensure that no one walks alone. The Ruth Collective would like to extends our hearts and appreciation to Ryan-Simone for sharing her story with us. Ryan-Simone, you have most certainly made a significant and positive impact on so many young women's lives.