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The world is left without a revolutionary in the field of women's healthcare. Dr. Étienne-Emile Baulieu, the visionary French scientist behind the abortion pill, passed away peacefully in his Parisian home on Friday at the ripe age of 98.
From resistance fighter to medical revolutionary
Born Etienne Blum in 1926, Baulieu's path started with exceptional bravery. Just 15 years of age when he adopted a new name to fight against the Nazi invasion as part of the French resistance, this same fearlessness would later be the catalyst for his most renowned medical breakthrough.
Upon graduation, Baulieu went to the United States to work with the legendary developer of the birth control pill, Dr. Gregory Pincus. This working partnership stimulated his lifelong passion for reproductive health and women's empowerment.
The creation that transformed millions of lives
Back in France, Baulieu created RU-486, now called mifepristone. His groundbreaking technique blocked the progesterone, a hormone necessary for implanting an egg after fertilization. The discovery gave women everywhere a safe, cheap alternative to surgery.
His wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, said: "His research was guided by his commitment to progress through science, his dedication to women's freedom and his desire to enable everyone to live better and longer lives."
The effect has been staggering. Millions of women in over 100 countries now enjoy access to this life-altering drug, though there remains limited availability in some areas, such as sections of the United States.
Baulieu's path was not smooth. For years, he was subjected to intense criticism and even threatened with death by opponents of abortion. When the pill was licensed in 1988, there was outrage right across Europe and the United States, discussions are still ongoing today.
Through being likened to Nazi scientists and receiving "cruel insults," Baulieu remained resolute. Their dedication to women's emancipation and scientific progress has never faltered.
A safety record that speaks volumes.
Medical experts repeatedly attest to mifepristone's safety record. The FDA has only accounted for 36 drug-related deaths since 2000, a ratio of 0.65 deaths per 100,000 procedures. For comparison, the use of standard aspirin yields 15.3 deaths per 100,000 users.
The World Health Organization acknowledged mifepristone's significance by placing it on its List of Essential Medicines in 2010.
Beyond Reproductive Health
Baulieu's more recent work was aimed at preventing Alzheimer's disease and the treatment of severe depression, showing her dedication to human health throughout a lifetime.
Reference:
1. Bosotti, Rorey. “French Scientist Behind Abortion Pill Dies Aged 98.” BBC News, May 30, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20ndk96vpvo.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
