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)
