French actor Arnaud Denis dies by euthanasia in Belgium at age 43

French actor Arnaud Denis dies by euthanasia in Belgium — Photo: Reproduction/Facebook

The death of French actor Arnaud Denis, aged 43, by euthanasia in Belgium, once again highlighted the different rules adopted by countries to allow patients to hasten their own death with medical assistance. While nations such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg authorize both euthanasia and assisted suicide and Switzerland allows the second procedure, in Brazil both practices are prohibited.

Denis lived in a state of severe disability after the placement of a hernia implant. Operated in July 2023, the actor began reporting a progressive deterioration in his physical condition and created a collective that brings together hundreds of reports from people with complaints related to adverse effects of prostheses used in hernia surgeries. His death by euthanasia was confirmed to AFP by lawyer Philippe Courtois.

Although they are often treated as synonyms, euthanasia and assisted suicide are different procedures. In euthanasia, a healthcare professional administers the substance that causes death. In assisted suicide, the team provides the medications and monitors the process, but it is the patient himself who administers the lethal dose.

The differences help to explain why legislation varies so much. There are countries that authorize both modalities, others that allow only one of them and places where court decisions have made exceptions for specific cases.

Where is assisted suicide allowed?

Switzerland is one of the best-known examples. In the country, only assisted suicide is allowed, as long as there is no "selfish motive", such as financial interest. Legislation does not necessarily require that the patient be terminally ill, although the process involves medical assessments and criteria established by specialized organizations.

The country also allows foreigners to access the procedure, as long as they comply with local requirements.

It was to Switzerland that Brazilian Célia Maria Cassiano traveled to perform assisted suicide on April 15, 2026. As the practice is prohibited in Brazil, she had to leave the country to undergo the procedure.

In Germany, a decision by the country's highest court overturned, in 2020, the ban on commercial suicide assistance. As a result, doctors can prescribe lethal medication at the patient's request, but the topic does not yet have definitive regulations.

In Italy, euthanasia remains prohibited, but court decisions have opened space for assisted suicide in restricted situations.

In the United States, the rules depend on each state. Assisted suicide is permitted in places such as Oregon, California and Washington, among others, generally with requirements related to serious illness and medical monitoring.

French actor dies by euthanasia; see where assisted death is allowed and why Brazil prohibits it — Photo: Adobe Stock

Countries that also allow euthanasia

Other countries authorize both assisted suicide and euthanasia.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg adopt this model, but condition access to medical and legal controls. In general, it is necessary to prove unbearable suffering and serious or incurable illness, in addition to evaluation by more than one health professional.

Canada and Spain also allow assisted death within specific criteria. In both countries, access is restricted to people with serious or incurable conditions and involves medical evaluations.

In New Zealand, legislation has been in force since 2021 and allows both euthanasia and assisted suicide for terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of less than six months, subject to the approval of two doctors.

Colombia also allows both practices. Release occurred gradually through court decisions and administrative regulations, and operation depends on health system protocols.

France created "aid in dying"

France also changed its legislation in 2026. On August 19, the country enacted a law that creates the right to so-called "aide à mourir", or "aid in dying", for certain patients.

The new legal category can cover both situations of assisted suicide and cases in which the lethal substance is administered by a healthcare professional, depending on the patient's physical condition.

According to the rule, as a priority, the patient himself must administer the lethal substance in the presence of a healthcare professional. If you are not physically capable of doing so, a doctor or nurse can administer it.

Despite the promulgation, the legislation still depends on regulatory decrees to begin to be applied.

Euthanasia and assisted suicide: what's the difference?

The main difference is who carries out the act that causes death.

In euthanasia, a healthcare professional directly administers the medication that causes the patient's death, upon voluntary request and within the conditions established by legislation.

In assisted suicide, the medical team provides the medications and monitors the process, but it is the patient himself who administers the lethal dose.

This distinction means that some countries authorize only one modality, while others allow both.

Why does Brazil prohibit it?

In Brazil, both euthanasia and assisted suicide are prohibited.

According to Mariana Madera, professor of Law at the Catholic University of Brasília, the prohibition is related to the understanding that the Federal Constitution establishes life as a fundamental and inalienable right.

Euthanasia can be classified as homicide. The sentence can be reduced by one-sixth to one-third if a reason of relevant moral value is proven. Anyone who induces, instigates or assists a person to take their own life can also be criminally liable.

Thus, doctors, family members or any other person who participates in a procedure intended to intentionally cause the death of a patient may be held responsible by Brazilian Justice, even when the person expressly consents.

The case of Arnaud Denis

Arnaud Denis underwent surgery for a right-sided inguinal hernia on July 17, 2023. During the procedure, he received a polypropylene prosthesis. After the operation, he began to report problems that he associated with the implant.

In July 2025, the actor stated that his condition had been deteriorating for two years. He said he could barely walk, could no longer support his back and was experiencing pain in his feet and back problems. In January 2026, he stated that doctors no longer had alternatives to offer him.

In addition to his career as an actor, Denis founded the theater company Les Compagnons de la Chimère and participated in the films "Yves Saint Laurent", by Jalil Lespert, and "Vivre!", by Yvon Marciano.