Abstract: Objective: To understand the experience of women undergoing abortion with fetal abnormality, establish cognitive response model, and provide baseline data for healthcare and intervention. Methods: A total of 41 interviews were collected before termination, 6 days, 1 month and 3 months after termination. Grounded theory was used for data collection and analysis. Results: A cognitive response model of women with fetal abnormality was established. Four phases (Denial phase, Rechecking phase, Decision-making phase, Recovering phase) were included. Conclusion: This cognitive response model described the cognition, emotion and behavior response of women undergoing abortion with fetal abnormality. It is expected to provide information of healthcare and intervention for women with fatal abnormality in the future.

Key words: abortion for fetal abnormality; grounded theory; cognitive response model