Canadian actress and comedian Claire Brosseau is taking legal action against her government, seeking the right to a medically assisted death following a decades-long struggle with severe mental illness.
A Lifelong Battle with Mental Health
The 48-year-old performer from Montreal has revealed a harrowing history of mental health challenges dating back to her childhood. She received a diagnosis of manic depression at just 14 years old. Over the years, this expanded to include anxiety disorder, chronic suicidal ideation, an eating disorder, personality disorder, substance abuse disorder, and PTSD.
Brosseau has attempted suicide on multiple occasions. In her quest for wellness, she has undergone extensive treatment with numerous psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors. She has also tried a wide array of medications, various therapies, and guided psychedelic treatments, none of which have provided lasting relief.
The Legal Fight for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD)
In 2021, Brosseau first decided to apply for euthanasia under Canada's Medical Aid in Dying programme, known as MAiD. This process allows a doctor to assist a patient in ending their life, typically under strict criteria for those with terminal illnesses seeking to end unbearable suffering.
However, a significant barrier exists: chronic illnesses that are solely mental health-related are not currently eligible for MAiD in Canada. An initial plan to end this exclusion in March 2023 has been delayed twice, potentially pushing the change back to 2027.
Frustrated by this wait, Brosseau has now launched a lawsuit with the advocacy group Dying With Dignity Canada. She argues that excluding people with mental illnesses from the MAiD programme is fundamentally discriminatory.
Divided Medical Opinion
The case has revealed a split in medical opinion. One of Brosseau's psychiatrists, Dr. Mark Fefergrad, told The New York Times he believes she can get well. "I don’t think MAiD is the best or only choice for her," he stated.
In contrast, another of her psychiatrists, Dr. Gail Robinson, told the same publication that she views the current law as discriminatory. Dr. Robinson argues it is unfair that the procedure is available for patients with chronic physical illnesses but not for those, like Brosseau, whose suffering stems from mental health conditions.
Brosseau's lawsuit against the Canadian government remains pending, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the right to die and mental health equality.
If you are struggling with your mental health, support is available. The Samaritans offer a 24-hour service every day of the year on 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
