U.S. Judge David Hale of Louisville, KY, one of the Good Guys

The state of Kentucky provided David Jason Hale with a law license in 1992 after he graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School.

In one matter, Judge Hale was assigned to hear a case filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) versus the State of Kentucky regarding the constitutionality of an abortion that required women to undergo an ultrasound for the purpose of hearing a description of the embryo or fetus.

Judge Hale ruled that that the state law is unconstitutional because it violates the free-speech rights of the patient and doctor. He went on to say in his ruling:

“The law does not advance a substantial governmental interest, is not drawn to achieve the government’s interests, and prevents no actual harm.”

The misogynistic law required a physician to perform an ultrasound and position the screen so the woman could view the images. Medical staff were required to describe the images to the patient, including the size of the fetus and any visible organs or appendages.

As one would suspect when dyed-in-the-wool misogynists pass unconstitutional laws, this asinine law did not contain any exceptions for a woman who faced serious medical complications or was the victim of rape or incest.

Kudos to Judge Hale for displaying the courage and fortitude to rule that this obscene law that intruded on the rights of a patient and her doctor was unconstitutional.

As we speak (ca. October 2017), Judge Hale continues to sit as a District Court Judge for the Western District of Kentucky in Louisville.