Citizen Ruth is a 1996 film that tells a story of a poor, irresponsible, and pregnant woman who unexpectedly attracts attention from those involved in the debate about the morality and legality of abortion. The film stars Laura Dern, Swoosie Kurtz, Mary Kay Place and Kelly Preston, and features a memorable extended cameo by Burt Reynolds. It was cowritten by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor; Payne also directed the film. The original music score was composed by Rolfe Kent. The film was a drama film nominee for the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize.
Ruth Stoops is a poor indigent drug-user (a huffer - inhaling glue and paint for a high) whose down and out existence is complicated once more by becoming pregnant (she has had and lost four children already). When a judge orders that she gets an abortion or face a felony charge, she is befriended by Gail Stoney, a pro-lifer whose husband is president of the local "Babysavers" group. Suddenly Ruth is thrust into the middle of the pro-choice/pro-life struggle, with each side wanting her to take their side as a "message" to others - and the situation escalates... Written by Gary Dickerson
