[Status of organ donation in Iceland].

According to Icelandic law, since 1991 the medico-legal criterion of death has been the cessation of brain function. Yet another law regulates the harvesting of organs for transplantation. A living donor must be at least 18 years of age, be fully informed, and not exposed to direct risk. Cadaver organs may be harvested provided the deceased has given consent in advance, or failing this if the next of kin gives consent. In the absence of explicit consent (i.e., presumed non-consent), no organ may be harvested.