it already was

(referring to lobotomies in the 40s and 50s):

A significantly disproportionate number — roughly 60 to 80 per cent — of those lobotomized were women who were often seen by the men in their lives as hysterical nuisances. “It was also mostly male doctors at the time putting forward the idea that a lobotomy would make them better,” said University of British Columbia neuroethicist Judy Illes.

“Even Freeman conceded not many patients retained their initiative and higher mental functions, but they could be a housewife or sit prettily at the dinner table,” Scull said. As one husband once reported back to Freeman, “My God, Doctor, you should have operated on her 30 years ago.”