Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the renowned French scientist credited with the development of the abortion pill RU-486, has passed away at the age of 98. His death occurred at his home in Paris, as confirmed by his widow, Simone Harari Baulieu. She expressed pride in his dedication to advancing science, championing women's freedoms, and enhancing lives through medical innovation.
French President Emmanuel Macron fondly described Dr. Baulieu as "a beacon of courage," emphasizing the transformative impact he had on women’s rights. In a heartfelt tribute on social media, he stated that few individuals from France have influenced the world as profoundly as Baulieu did.
Throughout his extensive career, Baulieu was tirelessly committed to human dignity. France's Minister of Gender Equality, Aurore Bergé, praised his lifelong pursuit of elevating people's rights and health. Born Étienne Blum in 1926 in Strasbourg, Baulieu adopted a new name to join the French Resistance during World War II, showcasing his early commitment to fighting for freedom.
After earning his medical degree, he ventured to the United States, where he collaborated with Dr. Gregory Pincus, known for his groundbreaking work on the contraceptive pill. This partnership inspired Baulieu to focus on sex hormones, leading him to devise a method to inhibit the hormone progesterone, crucial for pregnancy.
The abortion pill, developed in the 1980s, faced years of hurdles for legal acceptance, often met with substantial resistance and threats from critics of abortion. Only in 2010 did the World Health Organisation finally recognize it as an essential medicine, reflecting Baulieu’s lifelong struggle for access to safe reproductive healthcare.
In a commendation from Macron earlier this year when he received France’s highest civilian honor, he noted the harsh attacks Baulieu endured due to his Jewish identity and his advocacy for scientific progress amidst adversity.
As recent political challenges arise, such as Wyoming's ban on the abortion pill, Baulieu reiterated his commitment to expanding women's rights, expressing concern that such actions represent a major setback. Not one to rest on his laurels, his later research focused on Alzheimer's disease and treatment for severe depression, underlining his dedication to science and human health until his last days.
