French Scientist Étienne-Émile Baulieu, Inventor of Abortion Pill, Dies at 98
Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the renowned French scientist and inventor of the abortion pill, has passed away at the age of 98.
He died on Friday at his home in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly impacted women’s reproductive rights worldwide.
Baulieu’s most notable contribution was the development of mifepristone, also known as RU-486, an oral drug that provides a safe and affordable alternative to surgical abortion.
Throughout his life, he faced intense criticism and threats from anti-abortion groups but remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing women’s freedom and reproductive rights.
Baulieu was born on December 12, 1926, in Strasbourg, and joined the French resistance against Nazi occupation at 15.
He later became a prominent figure in the scientific community, with his work on steroid hormones leading to the development of mifepristone in 1982.
This breakthrough revolutionized abortion care globally, providing women with greater control over their reproductive health.
Baulieu received France’s top honor in 2023 for his groundbreaking work, with French President Emmanuel Macron praising him as “a beacon of courage” and “a progressive mind who enabled women to win their freedom”.
Even in his 90s, Baulieu continued working on research, including finding treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and severe depression.
His wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, described his research as guided by a commitment to scientific progress, women’s freedom, and improving human lives.
Baulieu’s dedication to women’s rights and reproductive health has left a lasting impact on the world.
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