Citizen Ruth

Ruth Stoops is deeply engulfed in desperation while living in Nebraska. Her addiction has cost her the custody of her four children, leaving her feeling utterly vulnerable and exposed.

After a night of partying with her boyfriend, Ruth is thrown out of their flophouse apartment. This incident highlights her chaotic lifestyle and further increases her feelings of inadequacy.

Desperate for comfort, Ruth goes to her brother's house, hoping to see her children and ask for financial help. Instead of a warm reception, she waits at the back door, feeling like a discarded animal.

Ruth's addiction leads her to get arrested again for her reckless behavior. During this tumultuous time, she discovers that she is pregnant, which deeply shakes her sense of self.

Ruth learns she is facing felony charges for endangering her unborn child, emphasizing the gravity of her situation compared to her previous misdemeanors. This moment forces her to confront the repercussions of her actions.

At her arraignment, a judge gives Ruth an alarming ultimatum: terminate her pregnancy or face severe penalties due to her troubled past. This choice pushes her deeper into despair and contemplation.

Just when Ruth feels hopeless, she is bailed out by Norm and Gail Stoney, a radical Evangelical couple. Their interest in her plight stems from local news reports that shed light on her struggles.

Upon moving into the Stoneys' home, Ruth tries to grapple with their well-intentioned guidance. However, she quickly falls back into her old habits by sneaking out with their daughter, Cheryl, to indulge in substance abuse.

As the Stoneys apply pressure, Ruth reluctantly visits a crisis pregnancy center. The bombastic rhetoric she encounters there strengthens her resolve to continue her pregnancy despite her struggles.

Ruth's determination wavers when she is caught huffing glue at an anti-abortion protest. This leads to her eviction from the Stoneys' home, pushing her further into a chaotic existence.

In her time of turmoil, Ruth finds refuge with Diane, a friend of Gail's who champions abortion rights. Diane's welcoming home becomes a safe haven amidst the escalating tension surrounding Ruth's choices.

The situation at Diane's home intensifies as anti-abortion activists, led by Blaine Gibbons, begin to stake out the area. Ruth becomes a focal point in the media spotlight, showcasing her plight.

On the day Ruth is scheduled for an abortion, she experiences a heartbreaking miscarriage. This devastating loss prompts her to reevaluate her relationships and motivations.

After her miscarriage, Ruth senses betrayal from those around her, including Diane, who she realizes is using her for their agenda. This feeling of exploitation urges her to keep her loss a secret.

Determined for a fresh start, Ruth decides to accompany Diane and Rachel to the abortion clinic. In a moment of clarity, she seizes an opportunity to escape through a back window, leaving her troubled past behind.