Pioneer of the Abortion Pill, aged 98, passes away in Paris
Renowned French Scientist Étienne-Émile Baulieu, Developer of Abortion Pill, Dies at 98
Paris - Étienne-Émile Baulieu, a French doctor and researcher, has passed away at the age of 98 in his Paris residence, his wife Simone Harari Baulieu confirmed to AFP. Baulieu was globally recognized for his work on steroid hormones, spearheading the invention of the abortion pill RU 486.
"Étienne-Émile Baulieu's work was marked by his commitment to scientific progress, a dedication to women's freedom, and a desire to improve and lengthen life for all," said Simone Harari Baulieu. Aurore Bergé, the French Equality Minister, lauded Baulieu's life by stating, "He was driven by a commitment to human dignity throughout his life."
Born in Strasbourg, France on December 12, 1926, Baulieu, initially named Etienne Blum, adopted the name Émile Baulieu at age 15 when he joined the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation. Baulieu was a doctor of medicine, doctor of science, and a specialist in endocrinology, earning his medical degree in 1955 and doctorate in science in 1963. In 1963, he founded research unit 33 at the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm), dedicated to the study of hormones. At the helm of this unit until 1997, Baulieu continued to work there until his death.
The invention of RU 486 in 1982 served as a game-changer in the field of reproductive health by introducing a safer and less invasive method for early pregnancy termination. This groundbreaking achievement faced persistent criticism, primarily from anti-abortion groups who often referred to RU 486 as "the death pill."
Throughout his life, Baulieu was an ardent advocate for women's freedom and scientific advancement, trudging through controversy and opposition as he pushed for the global availability of RU 486. French President Emmanuel Macron cited Baulieu as a symbol of courage and a progressive thinker who enabled women to achieve their freedom.
Additionally, Baulieu's research led him to develop a treatment for depression, currently being tested in university hospitals, as well as founding the Baulieu Institute in 2008, dedicated to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The distinguished scientist leaves behind three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
"Étienne-Émile Baulieu's work was not exclusively about improving reproductive health; he also made significant strides in the field of science, including the development of a treatment for depression. His efforts in mental health therapies and treatments are set to be tested in university hospitals,"
"The renowned French researcher Étienne-Émile Baulieu's contributions extended beyond women's health. He was also a pioneer in the health-and-wellness sector, working tirelessly to tackle neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, as exemplified by his establishment of the Baulieu Institute,"
"Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the developer of the abortion pill RU 486, was committed to more than just advancing reproductive health. His passion for science and desire to improve human dignity extended into multiple areas, including the study of hormones, depression treatments, and neurodegenerative diseases."
