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A Chinese woman named Sha Bai, who traveled to Switzerland to pursue euthanasia due to terminal lupus-induced kidney failure, has passed away, sparking intense debate and scrutiny across Chinese social media.
Sha Bai shared her decision in a video posted on October 24, announcing that she would undergo euthanasia at the Swiss organization Dignitas, with her father by her side. Her decision has provoked a wave of public discussion in China, where euthanasia remains a deeply controversial and largely taboo subject.
In the days following her death, some netizens began to question the authenticity of Sha Bai’s euthanasia. Doubts were raised over her videos, with some claiming inconsistencies that suggested the event might be a hoax or a publicity stunt. For instance, some skeptics pointed out that her online videos appeared to have been filmed at her home or studio in Shanghai, but her IP address was reportedly linked to Beijing. Additionally, others noted the absence of visible needle marks from dialysis treatments, leading to further speculation that the story was fabricated for online attention.
These doubts gained traction, with a few influential online personalities and bloggers echoing the concerns, prompting a demand for verification of Sha Bai’s actual fate. The question at the heart of the debate: Did Sha Bai truly go through with euthanasia, or was this an elaborate online stunt?
To address these doubts, Phoenix News reached out to Dignitas, one of Switzerland’s prominent assisted-suicide organizations. However, the organization’s response was limited by privacy regulations. Dignitas clarified that due to Swiss laws on confidentiality, privacy, and data protection, they could not disclose any personal information about clients. They stated: "DIGNITAS cannot confirm or deny if any individual has contacted us, registered as a member, or utilized our services. Such information can only be disclosed with authorization from the individual or their designated representative.”
Nevertheless, Dignitas’ Asia office director, Joseph, acknowledged the case and suggested that Sha Bai’s euthanasia appeared credible. He mentioned that, based on their understanding, the event likely took place as claimed. Yet, respecting client privacy, he refrained from sharing further specifics, noting that several organizations in Switzerland provide similar end-of-life services for foreign nationals, and it is common for clients to include friends or family in the process.
Adding weight to the story, a local Chinese photographer residing in Zurich reportedly confirmed that she had been in contact with Sha Bai up until the day before her passing. Furthermore, one of Sha Bai’s close friends publicly confirmed the legitimacy of her euthanasia, extending condolences and expressing a wish for her to rest pain-free.
The online response to Sha Bai’s story has been deeply divided. Some netizens mourned her passing, expressing empathy and sorrow over her painful journey. “May she find peace and be free from pain,” one user commented. Others, however, maintained their doubts, insisting on proof or suggesting that such sensitive topics are prone to exploitation.
