Saving Citizen Ruth: Analyzing the Film’s Satirical Take on Reproductive Rights and the Essential Role of Education

Hey film lovers and advocates for social change! 🎬 Today, we're diving deep into Citizen Ruth, a 1996 dark comedy that takes a satirical look at the abortion debate, while also exploring broader themes about marginalized women and the importance of education in preventing unintended pregnancies. In combining an in-depth analysis of the film with a discussion on reproductive health education, we’ll uncover why Citizen Ruth remains relevant and how we can address the challenges faced by individuals like Ruth through education and awareness.

About the Movie

Citizen Ruth is a film that doesn’t shy away from controversy. Directed by Alexander Payne and co-written with Jim Taylor, the movie centers on Ruth Stoops, played with intense depth by Laura Dern. Ruth is a drug-addicted woman who finds herself pregnant, and her predicament becomes a focal point of a heated political struggle between pro-life and pro-choice activists. The film uses dark humor and sharp satire to highlight how both sides exploit Ruth’s situation to further their own agendas, often at her expense.

Director and Writer

Alexander Payne, known for his distinctive voice in cinema, directs Citizen Ruth with a keen eye for irony and social critique. Before this film, Payne had already demonstrated his unique storytelling approach with Citizen’s Band and would later gain acclaim for movies like Election, About Schmidt, and The Descendants. His direction in Citizen Ruth effectively satirizes the exploitation of personal struggles for political gain.

Jim Taylor, who co-wrote the screenplay with Payne, has a long history of collaboration with the director. Taylor’s script for Citizen Ruth combines sharp wit with a critical examination of the political and social agendas that overshadow individual experiences. Their collaboration results in a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Cast and Characters

• Laura Dern as Ruth Stoops: Laura Dern delivers a standout performance as Ruth, bringing a raw, emotional depth to the character. Known for her roles in Wild and Big Little Lies, Dern captures Ruth’s vulnerability and desperation, making her journey both heartbreaking and insightful.
• Kurtwood Smith as the Pro-Life Activist: Kurtwood Smith plays a fervent pro-life activist who sees Ruth’s pregnancy as a means to advance his agenda. Smith’s portrayal adds an ironic twist, showcasing how personal stories can be used as political tools.
• Swoosie Kurtz as the Pro-Choice Activist: Swoosie Kurtz portrays a passionate pro-choice activist who also exploits Ruth’s situation. Kurtz’s performance highlights the film’s critique of how both sides of the debate can be self-serving and manipulative.
• Burt Reynolds as the Attorney: Burt Reynolds makes a memorable appearance as a slick attorney hired to represent Ruth. Reynolds’ role exemplifies the commercialization and exploitation of Ruth’s plight, adding another layer of satire to the film.

Context and Relevance

When Citizen Ruth was released, the political climate surrounding reproductive rights was already intense. The film arrived during a period of heated debate over abortion laws and access, and it provided a critical perspective on how political agendas often overshadow individual experiences.

Today, the film’s themes remain highly relevant. The debate over reproductive rights continues to be deeply divisive, with political maneuvering frequently taking precedence over personal stories. Citizen Ruth serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and understanding in discussions about reproductive rights.

Marginalized Women and the Need for Education

Citizen Ruth also brings attention to the challenges faced by marginalized women. Ruth’s story is a reflection of broader issues affecting women with limited resources and support, particularly when it comes to reproductive health. To better understand these challenges, it’s essential to discuss the role of education in preventing unintended pregnancies.

The Challenges Faced by Marginalized Women

• Economic and Social Barriers: Women like Ruth often encounter significant economic and social obstacles that affect their reproductive choices. Financial instability, lack of access to healthcare, and limited social support can make managing an unplanned pregnancy particularly difficult.
• Health Implications: The physical and mental health impacts of pregnancy can be significant. For marginalized women, these health concerns are compounded by inadequate access to healthcare services and support systems.
• Educational Gaps: Comprehensive sexual education is crucial in preventing unintended pregnancies. Many communities, especially marginalized ones, lack access to quality sexual health education. This gap in knowledge contributes to the difficulties faced by individuals like Ruth.

 

Education as a Key to Prevention

Addressing the challenges faced by marginalized women requires a focus on education. Here’s how comprehensive sexual education and awareness can make a difference:

 

• Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Natural Family Planning (NFP) encompasses a range of methods that rely on tracking natural fertility signs to determine the fertile window within a menstrual cycle. By avoiding intercourse during these fertile days, couples can prevent pregnancy. Here's a detailed look at the methods within NFP:

a. Calendar Method

• Mechanism: The Calendar Method, also known as the Rhythm Method, involves tracking the length of your menstrual cycle over several months. By identifying the shortest and longest cycles, you estimate the fertile window. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. The fertile window is often considered to be from about 5 days before ovulation to the day of ovulation.
• Steps:
1. Track Your Cycle: Record the length of each cycle for at least 6 months.
2. Determine the Fertile Window: Subtract 18 days from the length of your shortest cycle to find the first fertile day and subtract 11 days from the length of your longest cycle to find the last fertile day.
• Effectiveness: The Calendar Method's effectiveness varies significantly. With perfect use, it can be 91% effective, but with typical use, it falls between 76% and 88%. Its reliability depends on cycle regularity, and irregular cycles make it less predictable.
• Limitations: This method requires a regular menstrual cycle and does not account for variations caused by stress, illness, or changes in weight. It also doesn’t consider sperm's viability inside the female reproductive tract, which can extend the fertile window.

b. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

• Mechanism: The BBT Method involves daily monitoring of your basal body temperature (the body's temperature at rest) to identify ovulation. After ovulation, the body produces progesterone, which raises the BBT by about 0.5°F to 1°F (0.3°C to 0.6°C). This rise lasts until the start of your next period.
• Steps:
1. Take Your Temperature: Measure your temperature first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. Use a basal thermometer for accuracy.
2. Record and Analyze: Track your temperature daily on a chart. A sustained temperature rise for at least three days indicates that ovulation has occurred.
• Effectiveness: The BBT Method can be up to 98% effective with perfect use, but with typical use, effectiveness ranges from 76% to 88%. It requires consistent daily measurement and charting.
• Limitations: BBT can be influenced by factors such as illness, alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep. The method also requires at least a few months of tracking to establish reliable patterns.

c. Cervical Mucus Method

• Mechanism: This method tracks changes in cervical mucus, which becomes more abundant, clear, and stretchy around ovulation, resembling raw egg whites. These changes indicate a higher likelihood of fertility.
• Steps:
1. Monitor Mucus: Check the mucus daily by wiping with toilet paper or inserting a finger into the vagina.
2. Record Observations: Note the texture and color of the mucus. Fertile mucus usually appears in the days leading up to ovulation.
• Effectiveness: The Cervical Mucus Method can be between 76% and 88% effective, similar to other NFP methods, with higher effectiveness if used in conjunction with other methods.
• Limitations: Factors like infections, hormonal fluctuations, and medications can alter mucus characteristics, making interpretation more challenging.

d. Sympto-Thermal Method

• Mechanism: The Sympto-Thermal Method combines observations of basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other fertility signs, such as changes in the cervix’s position and texture. This comprehensive approach increases accuracy in identifying fertile and infertile phases.
• Steps:
1. Track Multiple Signs: Measure BBT, monitor cervical mucus, and check the cervix’s position and texture.
2. Interpret Data: Use a chart or app to correlate these signs and identify the fertile window.
• Effectiveness: With perfect use, the Sympto-Thermal Method can be up to 98% effective. With typical use, it ranges from 76% to 88%. Its effectiveness improves with thorough training and accurate tracking.
• Limitations: Requires rigorous tracking and understanding of multiple fertility signs. It can be complex and time-consuming to learn and use effectively.

2. Withdrawal Method

• Mechanism: Also known as coitus interruptus, this method involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the reproductive tract.
• Steps:
1. Withdraw Before Ejaculation: Ensure withdrawal happens before ejaculation.
2. Communicate and Practice: Both partners should be aware of the method and practice it consistently.
• Effectiveness: With perfect use, the withdrawal method can be about 96% effective. With typical use, effectiveness drops to approximately 78%. The primary risk is pre-ejaculatory fluid, which can contain sperm.
• Limitations: Requires significant self-control and timing. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

3. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

• Mechanism: LAM is a natural form of contraception used during the postpartum period. It relies on the natural suppression of ovulation caused by exclusive breastfeeding.
• Criteria:
1. Exclusive Breastfeeding: The mother must exclusively breastfeed (no other foods or liquids) and do so at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night.
2. Postpartum Period: LAM is effective only in the first 6 months postpartum.
3. No Menstruation: The mother must not have had a return of menstrual periods.
• Effectiveness: When all criteria are met, LAM can be up to 98% effective. Its effectiveness declines as breastfeeding frequency decreases or when menstruation resumes.
• Limitations: LAM is only applicable to new mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding and within the first 6 months postpartum. It does not offer protection once menstruation resumes or breastfeeding is reduced.

4. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs)

• Mechanism: FABMs include several approaches that track fertility signs to avoid pregnancy. The methods typically involve recording various indicators of fertility such as menstrual cycle length, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus.
• Examples:
• Standard Days Method (SDM): Uses a fixed number of days as the fertile window, based on the assumption that ovulation occurs between days 8 and 19 of the cycle. It’s suitable for women with cycles between 26 and 32 days long.
• TwoDay Method: Focuses on daily observations of cervical secretions. If you notice secretions today or yesterday, you should avoid unprotected intercourse.
• Effectiveness: Effectiveness ranges from 76% to 88% with typical use, but can be higher with perfect use. These methods often require careful tracking and understanding of your fertility patterns.
• Limitations: These methods require commitment and daily monitoring. They may be less effective for women with irregular cycles or those who have difficulty accurately observing and recording fertility signs.

5. Abstinence

• Mechanism: Abstinence involves avoiding vaginal intercourse or any sexual activity that can lead to pregnancy.
• Steps:
1. Commit to Abstinence: Make a mutual decision to refrain from sexual activities that can result in pregnancy.
2. Communicate: Discuss and agree on this method with your partner.
• Effectiveness: Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy when practiced consistently.
• Limitations: Abstinence may not address other aspects of intimacy and relationship needs. It requires mutual agreement and commitment.

Each of these methods for pregnancy prevention—whether Natural Family Planning (NFP), the Withdrawal Method, Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs), or Abstinence—has its strengths and limitations. Their effectiveness can be influenced by various factors, such as personal health, lifestyle, and comfort with the method’s requirements. For anyone considering these methods, education and proper use are crucial for achieving the highest levels of effectiveness.

Citizen Ruth is more than just a satirical exploration of the abortion debate. Directed by Alexander Payne and featuring a standout cast including Laura Dern, Kurtwood Smith, Swoosie Kurtz, and Burt Reynolds, the film critically examines how personal stories are often manipulated into political tools. Beyond its sharp satire, the movie brings to light the real struggles faced by marginalized women and underscores the necessity of comprehensive education to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Addressing the challenges faced by individuals like Ruth requires a dual focus on education and access to resources. By improving sexual education and raising awareness about various methods of pregnancy prevention, we can better support marginalized communities and address the broader issues highlighted in Citizen Ruth. It’s through informed action and empathy that we can make a meaningful difference in the ongoing discussions about reproductive rights and personal choice. 🎥✨