ABSTRACTThis study was performed to assess the sexual knowledge and attitudes of student nurse‐midwives (SNMs). All SNMs enrolled in nurse‐midwifery programs between November 1981 and February 1982 were surveyed. Instruments used included the Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Test and a demographic and background data questionnaire. Significant findings included generally liberal attitudes toward heterosexual relations, autoeroticism, and the rejection of common sexual myths; more conservative attitudes toward abortion were found. No significant differences in knowledge and/or attitudes were revealed when groups were compared on the basis of age, marital status, level in nurse‐midwifery programs, or length of time in nursing. Significant differences were found when comparisons were made based on religious preference, degree of urbanization, educational level, type of nurse‐midwifery program, and prior human sexuality education. The implications of these differences for nurse‐midwifery practice, education, and research are