Dr. Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the acclaimed French scientist credited with creating the abortion pill, has passed away at the age of 98. His contribution to reproductive health through the development of the oral medication RU-486, known as mifepristone, has made significant strides in offering women a safe and cost-effective alternative to surgical abortion.
Dr. Baulieu died in his home in Paris, as confirmed by his widow, Simone Harari Baulieu. She remarked on his passionate commitment to scientific progress, women's rights, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals. French President Emmanuel Macron lauded him as a "beacon of courage," emphasizing Baulieu's influential role in advocating for women's freedoms.
Born Étienne Blum in Strasbourg on December 12, 1926, Dr. Baulieu adopted a new name at 15 while participating in the French resistance against Nazi invaders. After completing his studies, he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, often hailed as the father of the contraceptive pill, who encouraged him to explore sex hormones. Upon returning to France, Dr. Baulieu devised a method to inhibit the hormone progesterone, crucial for fertilization.
Despite developing the abortion pill within a decade, Dr. Baulieu faced intense opposition and threats while tirelessly advocating for its global approval. The pill received official recognition for sale in 1988, leading to a heated debate in both Europe and the United States, a controversy that continues as pro-choice and anti-abortion groups clash over reproductive rights.
While mifepristone is approved in over 100 countries, access remains tightly controlled in the U.S. and elsewhere. Anti-abortion campaigners have propagated unfounded claims regarding the safety of the medication, even though medical experts continue to affirm its efficacy. Notably, since its U.S. approval in 2000, the FDA has recorded only 26 deaths associated with mifepristone, a rate significantly lower than that associated with common medications like aspirin.
In the face of recent legislative changes, including Wyoming's penalizing of the abortion pill, Dr. Baulieu expressed disappointment, reaffirming his lifelong work aiming to promote women's freedom. In his later years, Baulieu pivoted towards researching Alzheimer's disease and treatments for severe depression.
In 2023, President Macron honored Dr. Baulieu with the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, acknowledging his steadfastness against vilification as he stood firm in his commitment to freedom and science, despite facing immense societal pressures.
