Actress, 49, begs for medically assisted suicide after ‘unbearable’ mental health battle
The comedian and actress, who has starred alongside the likes of James Franco, is calling for a court to allow her to die by assisted suicide.
Canadian actress Claire Brosseau, who has admitted she has an “embarrassment of riches”, has been calling for a court to allow her to die by assisted suicide. The 49-year-old said she has not left her home for months because of severe bipolar disorder and PTSD. While outside the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, she said: “It’s unbearable. Every morning I wake up, I don’t think I’m going to make it through the day.”
According to The New York Times, Claire said she was made to seek assisted dying after failing multiple attempts to end her own life. The star claimed she is fighting for her right to die because she can’t endure the “unrelenting suffering” anymore, despite having a devoted family, good friends and a beloved Maltipoo.
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Her lawyer, Michael Fenrick, said earlier this week: “This is an extraordinary remedy which we are pursuing, but the situation that Claire finds herself in is also extraordinary.”
The actress’s parents and sister, Melissa Morris, said they were horrified to learn of her plans for assisted death. Claire's 51-year-old sister told The Times: “I was furious. I really saw it as giving up.”
Her mother added: “No mother ever wants to lose a child before them, but no mother wants to see incredible suffering.’’
Two of her doctors believe Claire can get better, with Dr Mark Fefergrad telling the publication, “I don’t think [assisted suicide] is the best or only choice for her.”
Claire has been campaigning since 2021 for access to euthanasia under Canada’s controversial Medical Aid in Dying law.
She’s s seeking a constitutional exemption which would allow her to end her life despite not having a physical ailment.
If you have been affected by this story, you can **contact the Samaritans, call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit https://www.samaritans.org/.
