Why We Can’t Stay Silent

Graphic Designed by Ella Hernan

by Aryanna Cheeseboro,

Intern, The Ruth Collective

07/01/2025



Every day, people are being forced to leave their home states in search of basic healthcare. Whether they are seeking an abortion, gender-affirming care, or mental health services, this care is increasingly out of reach. Not because it does not exist, but because people are being shamed, silenced, and legally blocked from accessing it, which is why The Ruth Collective exists. We are here because care should not come with a price tag of fear, shame, or a one-way bus ticket. Our mission is rooted in compassion, justice, and the right to make decisions about our bodies, no matter where we live. 

The Ruth Collective works to connect people with resources because we know that the negative rhetoric around abortion and LGBTQ+ identities is more than just political; it is psychological. A 2023 peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that exposure to abortion stigma is linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression in women, especially in states with more restrictive laws (Roberts et al.). Similarly, The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health reported that 90% of LGBTQ+ youth said their well-being was negatively impacted by recent political attacks and legislation.

When lawmakers try to erase LGBTQ+ identities from school curriculum or restrict access to care, they are not “protecting” youth. Lawmakers are instead isolating youth. According to the American Psychological Association, a lack of support contributes significantly to higher risks of self-harm. Transgender and nonbinary youth who have access to gender-affirming care report 70% lower odds of experiencing symptoms of depression (Turban et al., Pediatrics, 2022). 

Why do we do this work? Because we have to. The reality is that people are hurting, physically, emotionally, and financially. Remaining silent is not an option. At The Ruth Collective, we are committed to doing more than just raising awareness. We are building support systems, amplifying truth, and protecting choice. Our work is about more than policy; it is all about people.

Sources:

American Psychological Association. (2023, May 4). Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/05/lgbtq-youth-mental-health 

Roberts, S. C. M., Berglas, N. F., Ralph, L. J., Biggs, M. A., & Gerdts, C. (2023). Abortion stigma and mental health outcomes in restrictive states. JAMA Psychiatry.  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2802349 

The Trevor Project. (2024). 2024 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/

Turban, J. L., King, D., Carswell, J. M., & Keuroghlian, A. S. (2022). Access to gender-affirming hormones during adolescence and mental health outcomes among transgender adults. Pediatrics, 149(2), e2021052700. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8754307/