Shanghai woman with lupus chooses euthanasia in Switzerland

CHINA: A 43-year-old woman from Shanghai, known as “Shabai (沙白),” has ignited a heated debate on Chinese social media after announcing her decision to undergo euthanasia in Switzerland. Shabai, who has battled systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for over 20 years, claims to be suffering from kidney failure as a result of the disease. On 23 October, Shabai uploaded a video in which she stated her intention to end her life through euthanasia on 24 October at 10 AM in Switzerland. In what she referred to as her "final farewell video," Shabai documented her last days with her father while travelling in Switzerland. The video concluded with an emotional goodbye to her 80-year-old father, in which she reassured him, saying, “I will no longer trouble you.” In the video, she shared that her father took considerable time to come to terms with her decision, ultimately expressing his support: “Go ahead, we’ll go together. Dad loves you and supports you. There’s really no need to endure such pointless suffering.”

Allegedly an Alumna of the National University of Singapore's MBA Programme

Since the announcement, Shabai’s social media accounts have not been updated, although her WeChat account remains active for comments. However, users have been unable to share her video. On LinkedIn, she is identified as Elizabeth Zheng, an alumna of Shanghai University’s architecture programme and the National University of Singapore’s MBA programme in 2011-2013. Shabai was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 20, a condition characterised by the immune system attacking the body. Often referred to as “the immortal cancer,” lupus is difficult to treat and requires long-term management. As of this year, Shabai has experienced seven flare-ups, resulting in kidney failure that necessitates thrice-weekly dialysis sessions lasting five to six hours each. Despite the challenges, Shabai’s social media presence remained vibrant. She engaged with caregivers, teaching them English and styling her father’s hair. Nevertheless, her resolve for euthanasia persisted; in August, she completed the necessary procedures in Switzerland and set a date for her death, travelling there with her father in October.

Debate Erupts Over Life's Value and Illness Struggles

The decision has sparked significant discourse among Chinese netizens, many of whom have reflected on the value of life and the challenges of living with severe illness. While some expressed support for Shabai’s choice, others critiqued it as a lack of respect for life. One netizen commented on China's social media platform Weibo: "A person cannot choose whether they come into this world, and most cannot decide when to leave it. So 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 essentially still a form of suicide and that reporting on it requires great caution. The comment highlighted the risk of an "imitation effect," suggesting that inadequate handling could lead to social panic. "Isn’t the lesson of the 13 consecutive suicides at Foxconn enough?" the netizen asked, referencing past incidents as a reminder of the potential consequences.

Concerns Raised for the Woman's Father Facing a Lifetime of Longing and Grief

A lawyer commented: "Regarding the case of the Shanghai woman with lupus who chose euthanasia in Switzerland, public opinion has shifted—from yesterday’s blessings, sympathy, and admiration to today’s criticism, confusion, and rejection. My stance remains ‘I don’t understand, but I respect her choice.’ Her life is her own, and she has the right to make her own decisions. Her clothing style is fashionable, and her mindset is progressive, yet her father’s missing teeth and weathered face tell me this isn’t a wealthy family." The lawyer added, "She can leave, but her father may spend the rest of his life in longing and grief. I feel a deep sympathy for the elderly man."

Navigating the Ethical and Legal Challenges of Euthanasia in China

Switzerland is recognised as the first country in the world to legally permit passive euthanasia, whereas in China, euthanasia and physician-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 forgo life support measures when they could only prolong the dying process. The first known case of euthanasia in China emerged in 1986 when a Chinese national Wang Mingcheng, after receiving news of his severely ill mother, pleaded with her doctor to end her suffering. Despite initial reluctance from the doctor due to potential career repercussions, they ultimately complied after Wang's persistent requests and a signed waiver, but it led to legal troubles when the patient's relatives accused the doctor of murder, resulting in their arrest. Despite legislative proposals for legalising euthanasia dating back to 1988, the topic gained renewed attention during the 2020 National People's Congress, with over 80% of the public supporting its legalisation, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding euthanasia in Chinese society.