Dr. Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the distinguished French scientist instrumental in the development of the abortion pill, has died at the age of 98 at his home in Paris. His widow, Simone Harari Baulieu, shared the news, highlighting Dr. Baulieu's lifelong commitment to science, women's rights, and enhancing quality of life. President Emmanuel Macron referred to him as "a beacon of courage" and emphasized the monumental impact his work had on women's freedom. Aurore Bergé, the French minister for gender equality, praised his commitment to human dignity.
Born Étienne Blum on December 12, 1926, in Strasbourg, Baulieu changed his name to join the French resistance against the Nazis when he was just 15. His scientific journey took him to the United States, where he studied under Dr. Gregory Pincus, the pioneer of the contraceptive pill, leading him to focus on sex hormones. He developed a groundbreaking method to inhibit progesterone—an essential hormone for pregnancy—leading to the creation of the abortion pill, RU-486, developed within a decade.
Despite significant opposition and threats, Dr. Baulieu spent many years advocating for the drug’s authorization globally. It wasn't until 2010 that the World Health Organization recognized it as an essential medication. Macron presented him with the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur in early 2023, acknowledging his resilience in the face of harsh criticism. With recent discussions around bans on the abortion pill, Dr. Baulieu emphasized his lifelong mission to advance women’s freedoms, denouncing such restrictions as regressive.
In addition to his work in reproductive health, Baulieu's recent research aimed to combat Alzheimer's disease and treat severe depression, showcasing his continued passion for discovering solutions to pressing health challenges.
Born Étienne Blum on December 12, 1926, in Strasbourg, Baulieu changed his name to join the French resistance against the Nazis when he was just 15. His scientific journey took him to the United States, where he studied under Dr. Gregory Pincus, the pioneer of the contraceptive pill, leading him to focus on sex hormones. He developed a groundbreaking method to inhibit progesterone—an essential hormone for pregnancy—leading to the creation of the abortion pill, RU-486, developed within a decade.
Despite significant opposition and threats, Dr. Baulieu spent many years advocating for the drug’s authorization globally. It wasn't until 2010 that the World Health Organization recognized it as an essential medication. Macron presented him with the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur in early 2023, acknowledging his resilience in the face of harsh criticism. With recent discussions around bans on the abortion pill, Dr. Baulieu emphasized his lifelong mission to advance women’s freedoms, denouncing such restrictions as regressive.
In addition to his work in reproductive health, Baulieu's recent research aimed to combat Alzheimer's disease and treat severe depression, showcasing his continued passion for discovering solutions to pressing health challenges.
