right to die

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Recommended: do people have the right to die

The subject of end of life care is one of great controversy and brings positive and negative emotions in the parties involved. Although, each case of death is different and unique. Those who are terminally ill often times decide that they want to end their life on their own time, and their own terms. In some cases this is considered to socially acceptable, while in other cases, people look at it as murder or suicide. One of the ten commandments (Exodus 20) is thou shall not kill, but does this include individuals that wish to exercise their right to die? Because this deals with people on a day to day basis, it is symbolic interactionism. Death is often a symbol of sadness, and directly affects the behavior of those involved. When considering the right to die, and the complications and emotions involved, perhaps contemplation of the following questions could assist in clarity of this complex subject. What is death and dying? What is palliative care? What is preservation of autonomy during end of life care? PAS (Physician Assisted Suicide) vs Right to die? How does ones cultural upbringing affect their opinion on end of life care? 3 What is death and dying? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, death is referred to the permanent 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 they're a burden on their loved ones. When one decides not to choose treatment or chooses the right to die on their own terms, they are exercising their right to die. What is Palliative Care? Palliative care is essentially end of life care. It specializes in keeping the patient as comfortable as p... ... middle of paper ... ...rks Cited Coolen, P., Best, S., Lima, A., Sabel, J., & Paulozzi, L. (2009). Overdose deaths involving prescription opiods among medicaid enrollees- Washington 2004-2007 Craner, P. RN (2014). Interview Death. 2014. www.merriem-webster.com from http://www.merriem-webster.com/dictionary/death retrieved 2/11/14 Kendall, 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.aspx Schwarz, J. (2007). Exploring the option of voluntarily stopping of eating and drinking within the context of a suffering patient's request for a hastened 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

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