The topic of end-of-life care is very controversial and arouses positive and negative emotions in the parties involved. However, each death case is different and unique. Those who are terminally ill often decide that they want to end their lives at their own pace and on their own terms. In some cases this is considered socially acceptable, while in other cases people consider it murder or suicide. One of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) is Thou Shalt Not Kill, but does this include individuals who wish to exercise their right to die? Since this deals with people in everyday life, it is symbolic interactionism. Death is often a symbol of sadness and directly influences the behavior of those involved. When considering the right to die, and the complications and emotions involved, perhaps contemplating the following questions might help bring clarity to this complex topic. What is death and dying? What is palliative care? What is the preservation of autonomy during end-of-life care? PAS (physician-assisted suicide) vs. the right to die? How does cultural education does it influence their opinion on end-of-life care?3What is death and dying?According to Merriam Webster's dictionary, death refers to the definitive cessation of all vital functions: the end of life. When people are faced with the reality of their ultimate demise, they may experience depression and feel like a burden to their loved ones. When you decide not to choose treatment or choose the right to die on your own terms, you are exercising your right to die. What is palliative care? Palliative care is essentially end-of-life care. He specializes in keeping the patient comfortable as p...... middle of paper ...... rks CitedCoolen, P., Best, S., Lima, A., Sabel, J., & Paulozzi , L. (2009). Prescription Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths Among Drug Enrollees - Washington 2004-2007 Craner, P. R.N. (2014). InterviewDeath. 2014. www.merriem-webster.com from http://www.merriem-webster.com/dictionary/death retrieved 2/11/14Kendall, D. (2011). Sociology in our times, the essentials 8th edition Frey, W. (2011). The State of Metropolitan America, from http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2011/1220_census_demographics.aspxSchwarz, J. (2007). Exploring the possibility of voluntarily stopping eating and drinking in the context of a suffering patient's request for an accelerated death. From http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pstcc.edu:2048/ehost/detail?vid=4&sid=6385b97a-9fde-4480-980a-4c8ed8929923%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4107&bdata=JnNjb3BlPXNpdGU%3d#db=nyh& AN =27970586 received 2/04/14