Inventor of Abortion Pill, Etienne-Emile Baulieu, Passes Away

Nepal Health News – Dr. Etienne-Emile Baulieu, the inventor of the abortion pill mifepristone (RU-486), has passed away at the age of 98. The drug he developed has provided access to safe abortion for millions of women around the world.

Born in Strasbourg, Baulieu participated in the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation during his teenage years. He later revolutionized contraceptive methods through his research on sex hormones.

His invention, mifepristone, is used to block the implantation of an embryo in the uterus. Despite facing severe criticism and threats, he played a crucial role in gaining international recognition for the drug. In 2010, the World Health Organization included mifepristone in its list of essential medicines.

In recognition of his contributions, France honored him with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor in 2023. President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to him, calling him "a symbol of courage" and a "scientist who changed the world."