Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the esteemed French scientist who developed the abortion pill RU-486, has died at age 98, leaving behind a legacy marked by dedication to women's rights and significant contributions to medical science.
Legacy of a Pioneer: Étienne-Émile Baulieu, Creator of the Abortion Pill, Passes at 98
Legacy of a Pioneer: Étienne-Émile Baulieu, Creator of the Abortion Pill, Passes at 98
Tributes pour in for the French scientist who revolutionized women's reproductive health.
The world mourns the loss of Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the renowned French scientist whose pioneering work in reproductive health was not only groundbreaking but also transformative for millions of women worldwide. He passed away in Paris on Friday, at the age of 98, with his widow Simone Harari Baulieu confirming the news and praising his lifelong commitment to scientific progress and women's freedom.
Dr. Baulieu is hailed for developing RU-486, or mifepristone, an oral drug offering a safe and affordable alternative to surgical abortion. French President Emmanuel Macron recognized him as “a beacon of courage” whose contributions significantly advanced women's autonomy.
Baulieu’s commitment began during his youth, changing his last name to resist against Nazi occupation at 15. His academic journey took him to the United States, where he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, the pioneer of the contraceptive pill. This mentorship shaped Baulieu’s focus on sex hormones and led him to devise a method to inhibit progesterone's effects, crucial for pregnancy maintenance.
Although Dr. Baulieu completed the pill’s development in a decade, he faced substantial opposition, risking both safety and reputation to promote the drug's acceptance globally. The World Health Organization only recognized the drug as essential in 2010, nearly 30 years after its invention.
In a recent accolade, Macron awarded him the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, acknowledging his resolve against the harshest criticisms and threats. Despite new restrictions on abortion access emerging, particularly in places like Wyoming, Baulieu relentlessly advocated for women's rights. His recent research pursuits aimed at combating Alzheimer's disease and severe depression highlighted his ongoing commitment to health and well-being until his last days.
