Basically the deliberate taking of human life is forbidden
in the Cause, but the Sacred Text envisages certain possible exceptions to this
rule and allows for the Universal House of Justice to legislate upon them. One
such possible exception is the matter of abortion. It is clear that it is
absolutely forbidden for a woman to have an abortion merely because she wants
to have one, but there may be circumstances in which an abortion might be
justified. However, at the present time we do not wish to legislate on whether or
in what circumstances abortion may be permitted, and therefore the whole matter
is left to the consciences of those concerned who must carefully weigh the
medical advice on the case in the light of the general guidance given in the
Teachings. - The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated February 5, 1975 to a National Spiritual Assembly; compilation: Developing Distinctive Baha’i
Communities, NSA of USA, 1998 edition)
