diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 144fc393b8ac98..ab8217494e080f 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -46,15 +46,6 @@ $ git remote add upstream git://github.com/nodejs/node.git
 For developing new features and bug fixes, the `master` branch should be pulled
 and built upon.
 
-#### Respect the stability index
-
-The rules for the master branch are less strict; consult the
-[stability index](./doc/api/documentation.md#stability-index) for details.
-
-In a nutshell, modules are at varying levels of API stability. Bug fixes are
-always welcome but API or behavioral changes to modules at stability level 3
-(Locked) are off-limits.
-
 #### Dependencies
 
 Node.js has several bundled dependencies in the *deps/* and the *tools/*
diff --git a/doc/api/documentation.md b/doc/api/documentation.md
index 947010d951bdab..5f45c9b56ed387 100644
--- a/doc/api/documentation.md
+++ b/doc/api/documentation.md
@@ -56,12 +56,6 @@ The API has proven satisfactory. Compatibility with the npm ecosystem
 is a high priority, and will not be broken unless absolutely necessary.
 ```
 
-```txt
-Stability: 3 - Locked
-Only bug fixes, security fixes, and performance improvements will be accepted.
-Please do not suggest API changes in this area; they will be refused.
-```
-
 ## JSON Output
 
 > Stability: 1 - Experimental