'abortionist' originates from the word 'abortion,' which comes from Latin 'abortio,' meaning 'miscarriage.'

'abortio' transformed into the Old French word 'abortion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abortionist' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who causes a miscarriage,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who performs abortions, especially illegally.'