Shanghai woman with lupus chooses euthanasia in Switzerland

CHINA: A 43-year-old Shanghai woman known as ‘Shabai (沙白)’ has sparked a heated debate on Chinese social media after announcing her decision to undergo euthanasia in Switzerland.

Shabai, who has been battling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for more than two decades, claims to be suffering from kidney failure as a result of the disease.

On October 23, Shabai uploaded a video declaring her intention to end her life through euthanasia on October 24 at 10 a.m. in Switzerland.

In what she called her “final farewell video,” Shabai documented her final days with her father while traveling in Switzerland.

The video ended with an emotional farewell to her 80-year-old father, in which she reassured him by saying: “I won’t bother you anymore.”

In the video, she said her father took a long time to process her decision, eventually expressing his support: “Go ahead, we’ll go together. Dad loves and supports you. There is really no need to endure such senseless suffering.”

Reportedly an alumna of the National University of Singapore’s MBA program

Since the announcement, Shabai’s social media accounts have not been updated, although her WeChat account remains active for comment. However, users were unable to share her video.

On LinkedInshe is identified as Elizabeth Zheng, an alumna of the Shanghai University architecture program and the National University of Singapore MBA program in 2011-2013.

Shabai was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 20, a condition characterized by the immune system attacking the body.

Often referred to as “the immortal cancer,” lupus is difficult to treat and requires long-term management.

Since this year, Shabai has had seven flare-ups, resulting in kidney failure, requiring dialysis sessions three times a week, each lasting five to six hours.

Despite the challenges, Shabai’s social media presence remained vibrant.

She worked with healthcare providers, taught them English and styled her father’s hair.

Nevertheless, her decision to euthanasia stood; in August she completed the necessary procedures in Switzerland and set a date for her death, traveling there with her father in October.

A debate arises about the value of life and the fight against diseases

The decision has sparked much debate among Chinese netizens, many of whom have reflected on the value of life and the challenges of living with a serious illness.

While some expressed support for Shabai’s choice, others called it a lack of respect for life.

One Internet user commented on Chinese social media platform Weibo: “A person cannot choose whether to come into this world, and most cannot decide when to leave this world. Therefore, I fully respect an individual’s choice to leave this world in a dignified, optimistic and self-determined manner.”

One comment warned against media coverage of euthanasia, arguing that euthanasia is still essentially a form of suicide and that reporting on it requires great caution.

The comment highlighted the risk of a “imitation effect,” suggesting that improper treatment could lead to social panic. “Isn’t it the lesson from the 13 consecutive suicides at Foxconn is enough?” the netizen asked, citing past incidents as a reminder of the possible consequences.

Concerns expressed about the woman’s father facing a lifetime of longing and sorrow

A lawyer noted: ‘Concerning the case of the Shanghai woman with lupus who chose euthanasia in Switzerland, public opinion has changed: from yesterday’s blessings, sympathy and admiration to today’s criticism, confusion and rejection.

My position remains: ‘I don’t understand it, but I respect her choice.’ Her life is her own life and she has the right to make her own decisions.

Her clothing style is fashionable and her mentality is progressive, but her father’s missing teeth and weathered face tell me this is not a wealthy family.

The lawyer added: ‘She can leave, but her father can spend the rest of his life in longing and sadness. I feel deep sympathy for the older man.”

Navigating the ethical and legal challenges of euthanasia in China

Switzerland is recognized as the first country in the world to legally allow passive euthanasia, while in China euthanasia and assisted suicide face significant legal challenges.

In 2023, a 70-year-old retired teacher at a hospital in Jiangsu province signed a living will to refrain from life-sustaining measures if they could only prolong the dying process.

The first known case oEuthanasia in China emerged in 1986 when Chinese national Wang Mingcheng, after receiving news of his seriously ill mother, begged her doctor to end her suffering.

Despite the doctor’s initial reluctance due to possible implications for their careers, they eventually complied after Wang’s persistent requests and a signed waiver, but it led to legal trouble when the patient’s relatives accused the doctor of murder, resulting in their arrest.

Despite legislative proposals to legalize euthanasia dating back to 1988, the topic received renewed attention during the 2020 National People’s Congress, with more than 80% of the public supporting its legalization, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding euthanasia in Chinese society.