What People Want Out Of End-Of-Life Care: Is The Social Contract Failing ?

End-of-life care embodies the social contract in its most essential form, yet inequalities in access, quality, and care setting persist across and within countries. Despite rising needs driven by population ageing and increasing chronic diseases, many peopleespecially those facing socioeconomic hardship-lack adequate care in their final months. Using data from 28 European countries, this article highlights disparities in who receives care, where care occurs, and what kind of care is delivered. Emerging challenges are explored, including assisted dying and workforce shortages. Addressing these inequalities is essential to rebuilding a fairer, more compassionate and equitable end-of-life care system for all.