• Etienne-Emile Baulieu, father of the abortion pill, died at 98 in Paris.
• His work led to the development of mifepristone, providing safe options for abortion worldwide.
• Baulieu faced criticism from anti-abortion advocates but remained committed to women's rights.
• Throughout his life, he was active in research until his mid-90s.
• French officials praised his contributions to science and society upon his passing.

French scientist Etienne-Emile Baulieu, known as the father of the abortion pill, died at the age of 98 at his home in Paris, confirmed by his wife, Simone Harari Baulieu. His profound contributions to women's health, particularly in developing the oral drug RU-486, or mifepristone, have transformed reproductive healthcare, offering a safe and inexpensive alternative to surgical abortion for millions worldwide, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Baulieu's research was characterized by his commitment to women's freedom and the progress of science, as highlighted by his wife in her statements following his death. His discoveries have faced fierce criticism and threats from opponents of abortion throughout his career. Recently, he condemned bans on the abortion pill, labeling them as "scandalous," particularly after Wyoming outlawed its use in 2023, according to Dawn and BBC.

Born on December 12, 1926, in Strasbourg to Jewish parents, Baulieu changed his name to evade Nazi persecution as he joined the French Resistance at the age of 15. He spent decades advocating for the authorization of mifepristone, immensely impacting reproductive rights, despite the controversy that surrounded its introduction. French President Emmanuel Macron praised him as "a beacon of courage" and "a progressive mind" who influenced women's liberation, which underscores his legacy in history, according to Bangkok Post and New York Times.

His notable work on mifepristone, developed in partnership with the French pharmaceutical company Roussel-Uclaf, revealed the drug's ability to block progesterone and thus prevent fertilization from occurring, effectively revolutionizing abortion methods. Today, mifepristone constitutes a significant percentage of abortions performed medically, with studies affirming its high safety and efficacy, according to BBC and New York Times.

In his later years, Baulieu continued to work research into Alzheimer's disease and severe depression treatment until his mid-90s. His remarkable resilience in the face of criticism exemplifies his dedication to science and human dignity, remarked by many, including French Equality Minister Aurore Berge, who acknowledged his life-long commitment to human rights, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and Dawn.