Étienne-Émile Baulieu (1926–2025): Scientist of steroids and champion of women’s reproductive rights

Abstract

Having trained as a physician, Étienne-Émile Baulieu soon turned his focus to research, as early as his medical internship. He went on to make major contributions on ketosteroids and other steroids, such as estrogen, and how they act on target organs through receptors to which the hormones bind and activate physiological responses. Later, he consulted with a French pharmaceutical company, encouraging them to pursue his concept for an antigestational agent, which became the iconic RU-486 (Mifepristone). For this, he was applauded by many and criticized by others. He died at his home in a suburb of Paris on May 30, 2025, at the age of 98. To his last days, he vigorously maintained his support for women’s reproductive rights.