The looming past of lobotomies: a dive into the exploitation of women

Rafat, Megan 2025. The looming past of lobotomies: a dive into the exploitation of women. The British Student Doctor Journal 8 (1) 10.18573/bsdj.372

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Abstract

In the Edwardian era, psychiatrists birthed the "Lobotomy", a groundbreaking yet haunting medical intervention. This essay scrutinises the gender bias inherent in lobotomy procedures and its profound implications. Lobotomy, prevalent in the 1930s, involved severing brain lobe nerves. Despite male predominance in schizophrenia, the majority of lobotomies worldwide targeted women. This bias, rooted in societal perceptions and patriarchal influences, is evident in specific cases like Rosemary Kennedy and Helen Mortensen, showcasing the distressing consequences for women. Ethically, lobotomies raise concerns about informed consent, patient autonomy, and disregard of empirical evidence. Post-lobotomy, women faced enduring disabilities and societal stigmas and lacked vital support systems. The shift from lobotomies to psychopharmacology underscores the need for evidence-based, holistic mental healthcare. In conclusion, understanding lobotomy's historical legacy underscores the call for ethical oversight, evidence-based interventions, and gender-equitable healthcare. By embracing these principles, we pave the way for compassionate, evidence-driven healthcare.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Publisher:	Cardiff University Press
ISSN:	2514-3174
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 December 2025
Date of Acceptance:	13 October 2025
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2025 14:40
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183100

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