Abstract
In passing Title X of the Health Services Act and the Adolescent Family Life Act, respectively prohibiting nondirective abortion counseling and education, and allowing funding for religious organizations to teach and counsel on family life issues, Congress has placed significant constitutional issues before federal courts. These Acts also place significant professional issues before sex educators, counselors, and therapists. This paper describes the content of these Acts of Congress and reviews current litigation attending these Acts. Additionally, this paper discusses the ethical issues of competency, self-determination, and informed consent posed by this legislation. The conclusion urges professionals in sexuality to keep abreast of trends in federal laws concerning sexuality, to become informed on the sexual policies of religious organizations, and to be sensitive to how addressing religious issues adheres to professional ethical standards.