Introduction
birth defects, Anxiety, Congenital anomalies, anxiety, anxiety disorders, worry, abortion
EVENTS, DISEASE
Congenital anomalies are defined as abnormalities in the structure or function of the body that exists at birth and have a prenatal origin. According to the Global Burden of Disease study by the World Health Organization (WHO), 17 to 42% of neonatal mortality occurs due to birth defects [Although therapeutic abortion is legally permitted in Iran, its acceptance and availability in practice may still be influenced by societal and cultural factors. One of the main factors is the strong influence of religious beliefs, where some individuals may view the termination of pregnancy as morally wrong. This can lead to stigmatization and social pressure against women who choose to undergo the procedure, which may make it difficult for them to access safe and legal abortion services [Nowadays, advances in clinical trials and technological improvements have made it possible to diagnose fetal anomalies during pregnancy and before birth [Worry is a part of everyday human experiences and an important component of anxiety that is formed due to the prediction of unpleasant events in the future. Anxiety is the worry in advance about future dangers, along with the physical symptoms of stress, that result from getting ready for events that are considered dangerous [Women who are unable to access therapeutic abortion due to political and religious restrictions may experience significant anxiety and worry about the health and well-being of their fetus, as well as their ability to cope with the challenges [Cognitive-behavioural counselling (CBC) is one of the psychological therapies that may lead to the improvement of anxiety disorders [