In a significant loss for the scientific community and advocates for women's rights, Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the French scientist behind the abortion pill RU-486 (mifepristone), has passed away at the age of 98. He died at home in Paris, as confirmed by his widow, Simone Harari Baulieu, who emphasized his lifelong commitment to using science to foster progress and improve lives.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Baulieu posthumously, calling him "a beacon of courage" and recognizing his pivotal role in championing women's autonomy through groundbreaking medical advancements. Gender equality minister Aurore Bergé echoed these sentiments, highlighting Baulieu’s unwavering dedication to human dignity throughout his life.
Born Étienne Blum in Strasbourg on December 12, 1926, Baulieu adopted a new name at 15 to join the French resistance during World War II. After completing his education, he moved to the U.S., where he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, known as the father of the contraceptive pill. This partnership inspired Baulieu to innovate within the realm of reproductive health.
His work led to the development of mifepristone—a drug that effectively blocks the hormone progesterone necessary for implantation of a fertilized egg. Despite the drug being created within a decade, it faced significant opposition, and it took further decades before it gained worldwide acceptance, being listed as essential medication by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010.
In a ceremony earlier this year, Macron awarded Baulieu the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, praising his resilience in the face of harsh criticism. Baulieu’s advocacy for women’s rights extended to recent political developments, where he notably expressed concern over Wyoming's first state ban on the abortion pill, calling it a regression in women's freedoms.
Beyond his work in reproductive health, Baulieu was engaged in researching treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and severe depression, demonstrating his dedication to improving quality of life through science until the very end.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Baulieu posthumously, calling him "a beacon of courage" and recognizing his pivotal role in championing women's autonomy through groundbreaking medical advancements. Gender equality minister Aurore Bergé echoed these sentiments, highlighting Baulieu’s unwavering dedication to human dignity throughout his life.
Born Étienne Blum in Strasbourg on December 12, 1926, Baulieu adopted a new name at 15 to join the French resistance during World War II. After completing his education, he moved to the U.S., where he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, known as the father of the contraceptive pill. This partnership inspired Baulieu to innovate within the realm of reproductive health.
His work led to the development of mifepristone—a drug that effectively blocks the hormone progesterone necessary for implantation of a fertilized egg. Despite the drug being created within a decade, it faced significant opposition, and it took further decades before it gained worldwide acceptance, being listed as essential medication by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010.
In a ceremony earlier this year, Macron awarded Baulieu the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, praising his resilience in the face of harsh criticism. Baulieu’s advocacy for women’s rights extended to recent political developments, where he notably expressed concern over Wyoming's first state ban on the abortion pill, calling it a regression in women's freedoms.
Beyond his work in reproductive health, Baulieu was engaged in researching treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and severe depression, demonstrating his dedication to improving quality of life through science until the very end.
