Two signatures are required for the withdrawal of funds -26 August 1973

In view of the great responsibility placed upon the shoulders of the members of National Assemblies by those who elect them, we have urged National Assemblies to exercise the greatest care in handling of their National Funds particularly as these funds represent in great part acts of sacrifice on the part of the friends. It is, of course, within your discretion how you delegate the manifold tasks involved in the day-to-day operation of your National Assembly but we earnestly urge you to reconsider the resolutions to which we referred and provide that two signatures be required for the withdrawal of funds, one of which would be that of an office-holder who is a member of your National Assembly. 
- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, August 26, 1973: included in a compilation prepared by the World Center: "The Need for Care in Handling Bahá'í Funds", sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies on 22 November 1985; Compilation: ‘Baha’i Funds’, prepared by the Baha’i World Center; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

Sterilization - 25 July 1973

It is clear from the instructions of the beloved Guardian that sterilization merely for the purpose of preventing the conception of unwanted children is absolutely prohibited in the Faith. When asked about sterilization of the mentally deficient or the physically unfit the Guardian pointed out that there is no reference to this in the Teachings. Neither is there anything in the Teachings about the use of contraceptive methods in order to prevent the transmission through inheritance of undesirable family traits and tendencies. These are, therefore, matters which the Universal House of Justice will have to consider in future. We do not wish to legislate on such matters now, and therefore leave the decision in each case to the individual believers involved.

We have said, however, that there may be circumstances which would justify sterilization, and that those called upon to make decisions in this regard must rely on the best medical advice available (preferably more than one expert should be consulted) and their own consciences. They should also take into account the availability, reliability and reversibility of other methods of contraception. 

_ The Universal House of Justice  (Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated July 25, 1973, to an individual believer; compilation Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Civil suit for divorce and Baha’i divorce - 18 July 18 1973

It should be pointed out that civil suit for divorce and Bahá'í divorce are two entirely different matters. . . . Recourse to the civil authority is only for the purpose of giving legal sanction to the divorce. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, dated July 18, 1973; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)

Youth should avoid “any behaviour which would arouse passions which would tempt them to violate them.” - 9 July 1973

We have received your letter of 19 June 1973 and can sympathize with the problems that Bahá'í youth face when trying to live up to the Bahá'í standards of behavior. It is, perhaps, natural that in the bewildering amoral environment in which Bahá'í youth are growing up they feel the need for specific instructions on which intimacies are permissible and which are not. However, we feel it would be most unwise for any Bahá'í institution to issue detailed instructions about this.

The Bahá'í youth should study the teachings on chastity and, with these in mind, should avoid any behaviour which would arouse passions which would tempt them to violate them. In deciding what acts are permissible to them in the light of these considerations the youth must use their own judgement, following the guidance of their consciences and the advice of their parents.

If Bahá'í youth combine such personal purity with an attitude of uncensorious forbearance towards others they will find that those who may have criticized or even mocked them will come, in time, to respect them. They will, moreover, be laying a firm foundation for future married happiness. 

- The Universal House of justice  (From a letter to a Local Spiritual Assembly, July 9, 1973; Compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)