French scientist and renowned medical researcher, Etienne-Emile Baulieu, credited with inventing the abortion pill, mifepristone (RU-486), has died at the age of 98. His wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, confirmed that he passed away on Friday at his home in Paris.
Baulieu, a lifelong advocate for women’s rights and scientific advancement, was celebrated for his groundbreaking research that led to the development of mifepristone—an oral medication that revolutionized reproductive healthcare by providing women with a non-surgical option for abortion.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Baulieu, describing him as “a beacon of courage” and “a progressive mind who enabled women to win their freedom.” He added, “Few French people have changed the world to such an extent.”
Born Etienne Blum on December 12, 1926, in Strasbourg to Jewish parents, Baulieu joined the French Resistance during World War II at the age of 15, later adopting the name Etienne-Emile Baulieu. After the war, he pursued medicine and specialized in steroid hormones.
He gained international attention in the 1960s when Gregory Pincus, co-inventor of the contraceptive pill, urged him to focus on sex hormones. Baulieu’s work led to the creation of mifepristone in 1982, a drug that faced significant opposition, including legal challenges and personal threats, particularly from anti-abortion groups in the United States.
Despite the hostility, Baulieu remained steadfast. In 2023, he criticized the ban on the abortion pill in the U.S. state of Wyoming, calling it “scandalous,” and reiterated his commitment to expanding women’s freedom through science.
Throughout his career, Baulieu remained engaged in research, exploring treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and severe depression, even in his 90s. He was also the first to describe the hormone DHEA, believed to have anti-aging properties.
Baulieu received multiple honors, including the prestigious Lasker Award in 1989, and France’s top national honor in 2023. He was known for his friendships with artists like Andy Warhol, and his deep appreciation for literature and creativity.
He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
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