Claire Brosseau, a 48-year-old Canadian actress and comedian, is bravely seeking a medically assisted suicide after enduring a lifelong battle with an array of crippling mental health issues. According to reports, she has detailed her struggles to the New York Times, revealing that she has attempted suicide multiple times and has been under the care of various psychiatrists and counselors across America.
Brosseau, a Montreal-born actress who has appeared in dozens of movies, has tried over two dozen medications, several types of behavioral, talk, and art therapies, and even electroconvulsive therapy throughout the years. However, despite these efforts, she has found little relief from the anguish caused by her mental illnesses.
Brosseau first decided to apply for euthanasia under Canada's Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) program in 2021. However, patients with chronic mental health issues are not yet eligible for medically assisted suicide under MAID due to delays in drafting special guidelines. As a result, Brosseau may not have access to the program until 2027.
In an effort to argue that the exclusion of people with mental illnesses from MAID is discriminatory, Brosseau has joined a lawsuit with the advocacy organization Dying With Dignity Canada. The case remains pending, but her determination is clear: despite having a "abundance 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, agreed that it is discriminatory that medical care is only available for patients suffering from non-mental health-related chronic illnesses. "I would love for her to change her mind," Robinson said. "I 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 that Fefergard, Robinson, her sister Melissa, her parents, and her dog Olive will be there to support her. However, she does not want them to watch her die and wishes for them to wait in another room after she says goodbye. "And it's been too much already," Brosseau said. "It's enough."
