Dr. Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the scientist credited with developing the abortion pill, has sadly passed away at the age of 98. His creation of mifepristone, also known as RU-486, has provided a safe and affordable option for millions of women seeking alternatives to surgical abortions. Dr. Baulieu died at his home in Paris, where his widow, Simone Harari Baulieu, praised his lifelong dedication to scientific progress and women's freedom.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Dr. Baulieu as a "beacon of courage" and a pivotal figure in empowering women. He expressed that very few have had such a significant impact on the world. Gender equality minister Aurore Bergé affirmed his commitment to human dignity throughout his life.
Born Étienne Blum in 1926, he changed his name to participate in the French resistance against Nazi occupation at just 15 years old. After studying in the US, he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, the pioneer of the contraceptive pill, who guided him in researching sex hormones. This led to Dr. Baulieu’s innovation of a method to block progesterone, critical for pregnancy.
Despite developing the abortion pill in under a decade, he faced considerable opposition from anti-abortion activists and spent years advocating for its global approval, achieved in 1988. While mifepristone is accessible in over 100 countries, its use remains hotly debated, especially in the US, where some states have imposed severe restrictions.
In contrast to claims by opponents regarding the safety of mifepristone, the FDA's data indicates that its risk is low, especially when compared to common medications like aspirin. The World Health Organization recognized mifepristone as essential in 2010.
Dr. Baulieu continued to strive for women's rights even as recent legislation, such as a ban in Wyoming, emerged. He focused on memory-related conditions and mental health in his later years. In a poignant moment earlier this year, he received the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to scientific freedom despite facing severe criticism throughout his career.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Dr. Baulieu as a "beacon of courage" and a pivotal figure in empowering women. He expressed that very few have had such a significant impact on the world. Gender equality minister Aurore Bergé affirmed his commitment to human dignity throughout his life.
Born Étienne Blum in 1926, he changed his name to participate in the French resistance against Nazi occupation at just 15 years old. After studying in the US, he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, the pioneer of the contraceptive pill, who guided him in researching sex hormones. This led to Dr. Baulieu’s innovation of a method to block progesterone, critical for pregnancy.
Despite developing the abortion pill in under a decade, he faced considerable opposition from anti-abortion activists and spent years advocating for its global approval, achieved in 1988. While mifepristone is accessible in over 100 countries, its use remains hotly debated, especially in the US, where some states have imposed severe restrictions.
In contrast to claims by opponents regarding the safety of mifepristone, the FDA's data indicates that its risk is low, especially when compared to common medications like aspirin. The World Health Organization recognized mifepristone as essential in 2010.
Dr. Baulieu continued to strive for women's rights even as recent legislation, such as a ban in Wyoming, emerged. He focused on memory-related conditions and mental health in his later years. In a poignant moment earlier this year, he received the Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to scientific freedom despite facing severe criticism throughout his career.
