A Canadian actress and comedian is seeking a medically assisted suicide after a long-term battle with several crippling mental health issues, according to reports.
Claire Brosseau, 48, is suing for the right to die through Canada’s Medical Aid in Dying program after struggling with manic depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorder, chronic suicidal ideation and a plethora of other mental illnesses since her childhood, she detailed to the New York Times.
Brosseau, a Montreal-born actress who appeared in dozens of movies, revealed she has attempted suicide several times and has been under the care of a slew of different psychiatrists and counselors across America in an open letter posted to her Substack last year.
She has tried over two dozen medications, several types of behavioral, talk, and art therapies, and electroconvulsive therapy over the years — but has experienced little reprieve from the anguish of her mental illnesses, Brosseau recalled.
Brosseau, who does not have a partner or children, first decided she would apply for euthanasia under Canada’s MAID program in 2021, which allows patients suffering from a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” to end their lives under a doctor’s assistance.
Patients who suffer from chronic mental health-related issues, however, are not yet eligible for medically assisted suicide under MAID after a series of delays cited for drafting special guidelines.
Brosseau, who may not have access to the program until 2027, has since joined a lawsuit with the advocacy organization Dying With Dignity Canada to argue that the exclusion of people with mental illnesses from the MAID is discriminatory, the New York Times reported.
The case remains pending, the outlet said.
Despite having “an embarrassment of riches,” including friends, a devoted family, and her beloved small dog, Brosseau is adamant that she will likely die by suicide.
One of her psychiatrists, Dr. Mark Fefergrad, expressed some hesitation at Brosseau’s inclination for medically assisted suicide and recalled witnessing his patients improve even after long, intense periods of suffering.
“I believe she can get well,” he told the outlet. “I don’t think MAID is the best or only choice for her.”
Her other psychiatrist, Dr. Gail Robinson, told the outlet she believes it is discriminatory that the medical care is only available for patients suffering from non-mental health-related chronic illnesses.
“I would love her to change her mind,” Robinson told the outlet “I would hope that she would not have to do this. But I will support her.”
Ultimately, if Brosseau is granted the choice of euthanasia, she hopes Fefergard, Robinson, her sister, Melissa, her parents, and her dog, Olive, will be there to support her.
She does not want them to watch her die, however, and wished for them to wait in another room after she says goodbye.
“And it’s been too much already,” Brosseau said. “It’s enough.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling.
If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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