Pioneer of the Abortion Pill, a 98-year-old individual, breathes last in Paris.
French Scientist Émile Baulieu, Inventor of Abortion Pill, Dies at 98
Émile Baulieu, a distinguished French scientist and endocrinologist most famously known for his invention of the abortion pill, RU 486, passed away on Friday at the age of 98 in his Paris residence. His wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, confirmed the news to AFP.
Born as Etienne Blum in Strasbourg on December 12, 1926, to Jewish parents, Baulieu adopted the name Émile Baulieu at 15 when he joined the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation during World War II. After obtaining his medical degree in 1955 and a doctorate in science in 1963, he became an influential figure in endocrinology at France's National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM).
In 1982, Baulieu, while working with the Roussel-Uclaf laboratory, developed RU 486, a medical abortion pill that revolutionized early pregnancy termination. His discovery enabled millions of women worldwide to have a safer and more accessible alternative to surgical options, significantly impacting women's rights and freedom.
Baulieu's research career extended beyond RU 486. He also delved into the study of neurosteroids, steroids of the nervous system, as a result of his exploration into the steroid hormone DHEA, which he discovered had anti-aging effects. Baulieu's work on depression led to the development of a treatment currently in clinical testing in several university hospitals. In 2008, he founded the Baulieu Institute, dedicated to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Despite facing harsh criticism and threats from anti-abortion groups, Baulieu remained dedicated to his research and mission. As a beacon of courage and a progressive mind, he enabled women to gain their freedom, as French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute. Baulieu leaves behind his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Sources: ntv.de, afp.
Émile Baulieu, a renowned French scientist and endocrinologist, was most known for his invention of the abortion pill RU 486, a significant contribution in the field of health-and-wellness, particularly women's health. Despite not being a doctor, his groundbreaking work on RU 486 revolutionized early pregnancy termination, asserting the influence of science on this sensitive issue.
