French Pioneer of Abortion Pill Mifepristone Passes Away at 98

Dr. Baulieu's groundbreaking work on mifepristone revolutionized women's reproductive rights globally.

 

Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the esteemed French scientist credited with creating the abortion pill mifepristone, has passed away at the age of 98. He died at his residence in Paris on Friday, as confirmed by his widow, Simone Harari Baulieu. The transformative medication, also known as RU-486, has offered millions of women worldwide a safe and cost-effective alternative to surgical abortions.

Dr. Baulieu's life was characterized by a commitment to scientific progress, women's autonomy, and enhancing quality of life for all. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed him as "a beacon of courage" and praised his contributions to women's rights in a heartfelt message shared on X. Minister for Gender Equality Aurore Bergé noted that Dr. Baulieu was always guided by a profound respect for human dignity.

Born as Étienne Blum on December 12, 1926, in Strasbourg, he took on a new name at just 15 to join the French resistance against Nazi occupation. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the United States, where he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, often recognized as the architect of the contraceptive pill, who advised Baulieu on his focus on sex hormones.

Returning to France, Dr. Baulieu pioneered a method to inhibit the hormone progesterone's effects, crucial for egg implantation post-fertilization. Although the abortion pill was developed within a decade, it took Baulieu many years to advocate for its legalization, facing significant backlash and threats from abortion opponents. It wasn't until 2010 that the World Health Organization recognized it as an essential medicine.

In 2023, Macron bestowed upon him the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, acknowledging his resilience in the face of derogatory comparisons to Nazi scientists. Dr. Baulieu firmly stood for freedom and scientific advancement. After Wyoming became the first U.S. state to outlaw the abortion pill in 2023, Baulieu remarked on the necessity of ensuring women's freedoms, highlighting such bans as regressive.

In his later years, Dr. Baulieu pursued research on potential Alzheimer’s preventatives and treatments for severe depression, further underscoring his lifelong dedication to advancing healthcare and human rights.