ISLAMABAD: World-renowned French scientist Etienne-Emile Baulieu, the trailblazing inventor of the abortion pill, passed away on Friday at his home in Paris at the age of 98.
Known for his tireless advocacy for women’s reproductive rights and groundbreaking research in steroid hormones, Baulieu left an indelible mark on global healthcare and scientific progress.
His wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, confirmed the news, calling his life’s work a tribute to science, freedom, and dignity.
Baulieu was most celebrated for his development of RU-486, or mifepristone, a pill that revolutionized abortion access by offering a safe and non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures. First synthesized in 1982, the drug quickly became a symbol of medical progress and women’s autonomy, though it also sparked fierce opposition, especially in conservative circles.
Peu de Français ont à ce point changé le monde. Résistant, génie de la recherche, défenseur de la contraception, inventeur d’une pilule abortive, Étienne-Emile Baulieu fut un esprit de progrès qui permit aux femmes de conquérir leur liberté.
Nous perdons un éclaireur de courage.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 30, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Baulieu as “a beacon of courage” and “a progressive mind who enabled women to win their freedom,” noting few French citizens had “changed the world to such an extent.”
From Resistance Fighter to Scientific Luminary
Born Etienne Blum in 1926 to Jewish parents in Strasbourg, Baulieu joined the French resistance against Nazi occupation at just 15, later adopting the name Etienne-Emile Baulieu. His early life, shaped by war and loss, inspired a lifelong commitment to human dignity.
After the war, he trained as a doctor and became a specialist in steroid hormones. His talent drew international recognition, including mentorship from Gregory Pincus, the American pioneer behind the contraceptive pill. Baulieu’s career spanned research into hormone therapies, Alzheimer’s prevention, and anti-aging science.
A Lifelong Commitment to Human Progress
Despite facing legal battles and even death threats, Baulieu remained resolute in his mission. In his later years, he remained active in scientific research, pursuing treatments for Alzheimer’s and severe depression. His contribution extended far beyond reproductive health, earning him numerous accolades, including the Lasker Prize in 1989. Baulieu is survived by his wife Simone, three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
