CHICAGO — It's been quite a year for Hadley Duvall, whom millions of people met Monday night at the Democratic National Convention.
About a year ago, Duvall appeared in a campaign ad for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear that many pundits believe helped him win reelection. The 22-year-old from Owensboro explained how her stepfather raped her when she was 12, and she became pregnant with his child before experiencing a miscarriage.
Fast-forward 11 months, and Duvall found herself telling her emotional story to a packed United Center in Chicago, advocating for reproductive rights.
"I tried all day to just soak in the moment to think, 'Wow, you really made it here. You really did this,'" Duvall said in an interview with WHAS11 in Chicago Tuesday. "I find myself being so grateful because there were times I didn't think I'd make it to the age of 22.
"I sat there and soaked it in for a moment and I was like all that damage is going to change the world."
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Duvall and other survivors had options 10 years ago, but with the repeal of Roe vs. Wade in 2022, abortion is no longer a right in many states. In Kentucky, there are no exceptions for women who become pregnant from rape or incest.
Donald Trump has publicly said abortion bans are a "beautiful thing." Duvall referenced that comment Monday, and at one point, an audible gasp could be heard when she asked what's so "beautiful" about being forced to have your own parent's child.
"I could not imagine a current survivor going through it right now who is pregnant or maybe miscarried, and getting on that platform because of how society will tear you apart," Duvall said. "It's cruel. I feel like I owe it to them and I owe it to myself. Little Me already went through the hard part, so why not carry on and show people how to heal?"
Duvall and Beshear, whom she calls "one of the most genuine human beings" she's ever met, have formed a close friendship.
Beshear gave her his personal phone number when they first met last year in the event she needed anything, or even wanted the ad to come down. When Beshear and Duvall met someone backstage Monday, Duvall said he introduced himself not as governor, but as "Hadley's friend."
"Hadley Duvall is one of the bravest people I've ever met," Beshear said Monday to begin his speech.
Duvall said Beshear checked on her throughout the night leading up her big moment.
"It doesn't matter what it's about, if I need something, he will answer the call or answer the text," she said. "Last week he was helping me with buying my first house and talking about interest rates."
Duvall was joined on-stage by two other women whose lives have been impacted by abortion bans. She said Kentucky's ban is a perfect example of why the law needs to change.
"Kentucky gave us the picture of why we don't need [a ban] at the state level and why we need to reinstate Roe and get out of women's business," she said. "It's sad we had to get on stage last night and tell those traumatic stories. If that doesn't show what's on the line, I'm not sure what else could."
Duvall recently graduated from Midway University with a degree in psychology. She plans to help the Kamala Harris campaign until November, and then begin grad school.
She's also interested in writing a book. She plans to continue her advocacy work and help survivors however she can.
"To be here and take my power back, and to be giving so many other women and girls - and even men - their power, I'm so honored," Duvall said.
Watch Duvall's full interview below