7 reactions to the death of 'father of the abortion pill': 'Legacy of death and deception'

Simone Harari Baulieu

Étienne-Émile Baulieu’s wife, Simone Harari Baulieu, confirmed the news of her husband’s death in a Friday social media post that linked to a Baulieu Institute article detailing the life of the abortion pill inventor. The French scientist founded the institute in 2008 to understand neurodegenerative diseases.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of Professor Étienne-Émile Baulieu this Friday, May 30, 2025,” the wife of the French biochemist and physician wrote. “A life of commitment to science.”

As the Times reported, Baulieu married his second wife in 2016 after his first marriage to Yolande Compagnon ended in divorce. In addition to his second wife, Baulieu also left behind three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In a Friday statement shared by several media outlets, Baulieu’s wife claimed that her husband’s research was guided by his commitment to the progress made possible by science, his dedication to women’s freedom, and his desire to enable everyone to live better, longer lives.”