A woman from Shanghai suffered kidney failure due to systemic lupus erythematosus who claimed to be seeking euthanasia at Switzerland's euthanasia institution with her father's support. Photo: screenshot from online video footage

A woman from Shanghai, who claimed to be suffering from kidney failure due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), stated that she was scheduled to seek euthanasia on October 24 at a Swiss euthanasia institution with her father's support. As of press time, there is no further information about the case, and the authenticity of the case cannot be independently confirmed by the Global Times, but the video footage she posted online to explain her choice has sparked heated public discussion on Chinese social media platforms about her choice, the disease and attitude toward life.

The WeChat account claimed to be the woman's, whose name reportedly is Sha Baibai, no longer displays any videos since Thursday. Previously, the account shared videos documenting her countdown to euthanasia scheduled for Thursday and discussed her battle with SLE over the past years. In a video circulating online, she revealed the three items she plans to bring with her to the procedure: a necklace, a book, and a scarf from her father.

 An article published by a column of the news website ifeng.com said that at the age of 20, Sha Baibai was diagnosed with SLE, which led to severe nephritis this year and ultimately resulted in kidney failure. After consultations with doctors at several hospitals, she was sure that there was no possibility of recovery, and she chose euthanasia. The woman also shared her contact with the euthanasia organization, and the entire application process.

Based on circulating video footage, Sha shared in one video her desire to lead a cheerful life despite its brevity, and in another video, she admitted that she did not take hormones, which are used for the treatment of SLE, stating that she knows something will go wrong without taking them.

As of press time, Sha Baibai's father, who, according to her videos, accompanied her to Switzerland, has not been reachable. 

Sha Baibai's videos and her self-claimed choice have sparked widespread discussions on social media. Some netizens expressed understanding of her experience and admiration for her courage, while others criticized her decision, calling it extreme and expressing concern over potential stigma surrounding the disease. They emphasized that lupus erythematosus is manageable and that treatment options are available. 

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that usually affects women, Mu Rong, deputy director of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology in Peking University People's Hospital, told the Global Times on Sunday.

While it is true that a small percentage of individuals with lupus erythematosus may experience acute and severe forms of the disease—particularly those who have not received regular treatment—the vast majority of cases are manageable, Mu said. Lupus is similar to chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. With proper management and treatment, most individuals can lead normal lives.

Global Times