Euthanasia
Normally God alone can dispense with life, but the Universal of Justice will legislate on it in the future and this is currently left to the consciences of those responsible[edit]
"As to the questions relating to euthanasia ... the House of Justice has asked us to share with you these two statements...
'As to the Baha'i viewpoint on the removal or withholding of life support in medical cases where intervention prolongs life in disabling illnesses, nothing has been found in the Sacred Text specifically on this matter. In such cases decisions must be left to those responsible, including the patient.'
- (From a letter dated 31st May 1979 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
'We have received your letter of March 18, 1974 in which you ask for the Baha'i viewpoint on euthanasia and on the removal of life support in medical cases where physiological interventions prolong life in disabling illnesses. In general our teachings indicate that God, the Giver of life, can alone dispose of it as He deems best, and we have found nothing in the Sacred Text on these matters specifically but in a letter to an individual written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary regarding mercy killings, or legalized euthanasia, it is stated:
"...this is also a matter which the Universal House of Justice will have to legislate."
'Until such time as the Universal House of Justice considers legislation on euthanasia, decisions in the matters to which you refer must be left to the consciences of those responsible.'"
- (From a letter dated 17 May 1974 from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska; last selection also in a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the compiler, October 27, 1981, in Lights of Guidance, no. 985)
