abortionist

abortion provider, physician/provider who performs abortions. "'Abortionist' ... is a highly charged word that is pejorative, derogatory, and defamatory" (Warren M. Hern, M.D., in a letter to The New York Times ). In the past, "abortionist" described illegal providers of abortions "in a sleazy world of avaricious, incompetent criminals." Some dictionaries say the term is usually pejorative, often carrying the meaning "providing abortions, especially illegally." In addition, terminating unwanted pregnancies is rarely the only work a physician does; use abortion provider, internist, gynecologist, obstetrician, or other specialty term. See also abortion, reproductive justice, reproductive rights.