French scientist and pioneer in reproductive health, Etienne-Emile Baulieu, who is widely credited as the inventor of the abortion pill, has passed away peacefully at the age of 98.
Baulieu died at his home in Paris on Friday, according to a statement from his wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to scientific advancement and women's reproductive rights.
Known globally for his groundbreaking development of the abortion pill mifepristone (also known as RU-486), Baulieu revolutionized reproductive medicine by providing a non-surgical, accessible alternative for millions of women seeking safe and legal abortions worldwide.
His pioneering work not only transformed medical practice but also ignited important social and political debates across the globe about women's autonomy and healthcare rights.
In a heartfelt tribute, French President Emmanuel Macron described Baulieu as “a beacon of courage” and “a progressive mind who enabled women to win their freedom,” emphasizing the profound impact of his contributions to society.
“Few French people have changed the world to such an extent,” Macron added in a moving post shared on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on Baulieu’s legacy.
Simone Harari Baulieu also praised her late husband’s unwavering commitment to both science and the advancement of women’s rights, stating, “His research was guided by his commitment to the progress made possible by science, his dedication to women’s freedom, and his desire to enable everyone to live better, longer lives.”
Born in Strasbourg on December 12, 1926, to Jewish parents, Baulieu was originally named Etienne Blum. During World War II, he joined the French resistance at just 15 years old and later adopted the name Emile Baulieu as part of his lifelong journey.
He trained as a medical doctor and researcher, specializing in steroid hormones. Encouraged by Gregory Pincus, the developer of the contraceptive pill, Baulieu pursued innovative research on sex hormones that would have a lasting impact on reproductive health.
His research culminated in the discovery of a method to block progesterone, a key hormone necessary for pregnancy continuation. This breakthrough formed the scientific foundation for the development of mifepristone in 1982, which allowed for safe medical abortion.
Despite the profound medical benefits, Baulieu’s invention sparked decades of fierce debate, legal battles, and threats from anti-abortion activists. “Adversity slides off him like water off a duck’s back,” said Simone Harari Baulieu in an interview with AFP, highlighting his resilience.
In 2023, when awarding Baulieu France’s highest honor, President Macron acknowledged the hostility Baulieu endured, saying, “You, a Jew and a resistance fighter, were overwhelmed with the most atrocious insults and even compared to Nazi scientists. But you held on, for the love of freedom and science.”
Baulieu never retreated from his advocacy. Even at age 96, he was actively speaking out for women’s rights, condemning the 2023 abortion pill ban in Wyoming, USA, as “scandalous.”
Beyond reproductive health, Baulieu also made significant contributions to research on Alzheimer’s disease and depression during his later years, continuing to work passionately well into his 90s.
He is also credited with the discovery of the hormone DHEA in 1963, which has since found limited use in some anti-aging treatments.
Baulieu received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Lasker Prize in 1989, recognizing his outstanding scientific achievements.
Apart from science, Baulieu was a devoted admirer of the arts and cultivated friendships with notable figures like Andy Warhol. He often praised artists for their profound ability to explore the human soul, famously stating, “I’m fascinated by artists who claim to have access to the human soul—something that will forever remain beyond the reach of scientists.”
Etienne-Emile Baulieu leaves behind a rich legacy and is survived by his wife Simone, three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward the memory of his remarkable life and work.