A Canadian actress is seeking access to Canada’s assisted dying program after decades of severe mental health issues – and numerous attempts to take her own life
An actress has decided she wants to die by assisted suicide.
Canadian actress and comedian Claire Brosseau has starred alongside the likes of James Franco and Elizabeth Whitmere during her career. She’s appeared in films such as My First Wedding, A Previous Engagement and Happily Ever After.
The star wants to end her life after a long-term battle with several severe mental health issues. The 48-year-old is fighting for the right to die through Canada’s Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) program.
She has struggled with manic depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorder, chronic suicidal ideation and other mental illnesses since her childhood, the New York Times has reported. She has reportedly wanted to die since the age of eight.
In an open letter posted on her Substack last year, Brosseau revealed that she has has attempted to take her own life several times and has been under the care of a number of different psychiatrists and counselors across America.
She said 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 relief from her mental illnesses.
Brosseau first decided she would apply for euthanasia under Canada’s MAID program in 2021. This allows patients suffering from a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” to end their lives under a doctor’s assistance.
However, patients whose chronic illnesses are solely mental health related are not yet eligible for medically assisted suicide under MAID. They were due to be included in the scheme after March 2023 but this change has been delayed twice – now meaning Claire may not be able to use MAiD until 2027.
Brosseau has since joined a lawsuit with the advocacy organization Dying With Dignity Canada, arguing that the exclusion of people with mental illnesses from the MAiD is discriminatory. The case remains pending.
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, has expressed hesitation at Brosseau’s want 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 New York Times 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 publication. “I would hope that she would not have to do this. But I will support her.”
Brosseau does not have a partner or children. If she 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.
But she does not want them to watch her die, 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.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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