Document 17

Watch the clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0aNILW6ILk

• One of the men in the video describes Walter Freemans procedure as "science going of the rails." What factors do you think led to the overwhelming use of a procedure that was perfected two weeks prior to being performed on its first patient? Infer why you believe so many were proponents of a medical operation that was essentially performed by an ice pick and a hammer?
• Walter Freeman was proud of the fact that fellow doctors would vomit or faint at observing the lobotomy performed. One doctor even walked out without saying a word. Infer what you think these men's professional opinion of the lobotomy was. What was your reaction to seeing the clips of the lobotomy being performed on the women? What emotions did it elicit?
• In the clip is says that there was an "endless supply of willing patients." Do you think the majority of patients were willing, unwilling, or unaware for the lobotomy procedure? What reasons would people want a lobotomy or not want a lobotomy during the historical period discussed in the video?
• What is your reaction to the fact that Walter Freeman performed 2,900 ice pick lobotomies before his last killed a patient. 19 children under the age of 18, including a 4 year old were lobotomized by Walter Freeman. Do you think the parents who lobotomized their children stand by their decisions after this procedure is now considered "infamous?"
• At the end of the clip it is revealed that a modified form of the lobotomy is still performed around the world in certain cases of OCD. Would there be any circumstance that you would receive a modified lobotomy or have your child receive a modified lobotomy if all other avenues had failed in treatment? Why or why not?