Canadian actress demands government-assisted suicide to cure depression

Claire Brosseau, 48, is bringing the suit after she has struggled with manic depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorder, chronic suicidal ideation and a number of other mental illnesses since she was a child. Brosseau, who was born in Montreal, has appeared in dozens of movies, attempted suicide multiple times, and is under the care of multiple mental health doctors.

The actress told the New York Times that she has tried all sorts of medications, talk therapy, art therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy over the years, but nothing has been able to bring a lasting solution to her mental health issues.

Brosseau applied for Canada's MAID program in 2021. The program allows for those who are suffering from "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" to end their life with the assistance of a doctor. However, chronic mental health issues are not eligible for approval under the program. Brosseau may not be able to legally end her life in Canada until 2027 and has joined a lawsuit with Dying With Dignity Canada in order to argue that excluding people with mental health issues is discriminatory of the program. The case is still pending.

Brosseau, who has many friends, a devoted family, a small dog, and “an embarrassment of riches," still wants to end her own life. One of her psychiatrists, Dr. Mark Fefergrad, however, believes she can overcome the mental health challenges. “I believe she can get well,” he said. “I don’t think MAID is the best or only choice for her.”

Another one of her psychiatrists, Dr. Gail Robinson, said she believes the government's refusal to have her kill herself is a form of discrimination, but wants her to change her mind. “I would love her to change her mind,” Robinson said, “I would hope that she would not have to do this. But I will support her.”

“And it’s been too much already,” Brosseau said of her life situation. “It’s enough.”