October 25. On this date in 1971, the Universal House of Justice wrote "It is clear that to have a surgical operation merely to avoid unwanted children is not acceptable."

October 25. On this date in 1971, the Universal House of Justice wrote "It is clear that to have a surgical operation merely to avoid unwanted children is not acceptable."

1166. Should Take into Consideration Availability, Reliability and Reversibility of Operation

"It is clear that to have a surgical operation merely to avoid unwanted children is not acceptable. However, as in the case of abortion, circumstances might exist in which such an operation would be justified. Individual believers called upon to make such a decision must be guided by the Bahá'í principles involved, the best professional advice available to them, and their own consciences. In arriving at a decision the parties must also take into consideration the availability, reliability and reversibility of all contraceptive methods."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, October 25, 1971)