Unplanned Pregnancy and Poverty
Unplanned pregnancies and poverty create a challenging cycle that affects the lives of both mothers and their children. Research shows that a child's likelihood of growing up in poverty increases significantly when their mother gave birth as a teen, was unmarried at the time of birth, and lacked a high school diploma. In the United States, nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, disrupting education, limiting economic opportunities, and contributing to intergenerational poverty.
At Brighter Futures Foundation, we're dedicated to breaking this cycle. Our mission is to provide Saint Louis women with access to comprehensive birth control, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. By enabling women to decide when and if they become pregnant, we're empowering them to pursue education, careers, and healthier lives. Join us in our effort to prevent unplanned pregnancies, improve health outcomes, and create a brighter future for women and their families.
47% of U.S. Pregnancies Are Unintended
2x More Likely for Postpartum Depression
9x Greater Risk of Childhood Poverty
Your direct donation ensures access to crucial birth control options for women in need. Join us in creating a pathway to brighter futures for individuals and families in our community.
Organize a fundraiser, big or small, to amplify our impact. Every event hosted brings us closer to breaking down barriers and empowering women to seize control of their reproductive health and future.
Owner / Dentist at Saint Louis County Dental Partnership.
A male dentist might not be the typical contraception advocate, but after learning about the profound impact of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project—particularly the benefits of increased access to LARC methods—Dr. Tim Grayem was inspired to take action in Saint Louis. By providing individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed reproductive health decisions, we can promote bodily autonomy, prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce health risks, and enhance economic and educational opportunities. Brighter Futures sees this as essential to public health, reducing maternal and infant mortality while enabling families to plan for children in ways that support their well-being and future.
City of Saint Louis Health Director under Mayor Francis Slay from 2007-2015.
MS Walker was St. Louis City Health Director from 2007 until 2015. She has successfully managed, with proven outcomes, the St. Louis City Health Department, The State of MO DHSS Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism, and the DHSS Division of Communicable Disease and Environmental Health Epidemiology. She has administered over $450 million in federal and local grants and contracts. Her areas of expertise include epidemiology, environmental pollutants, HIV/AIDS Care, lead poisoning in children, chronic disease prevention, maternal/child/family health, and crime prevention. She is currently a public health and health care consultant and CEO of Walker Planning and Management, LLC which provides services to various local governments, not-for-profits, health care providers, crime prevention agencies, animal welfare organizations, and financial institutions.
MS Walker graduated from UMC with a BS and MPA. She attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as a Danforth Fellow. She has specialized training in epidemiology from the University of Oklahoma. She has 45 years of public health and natural resources
management experience.
Affinia Healthcare's Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Melissa Tepe, MD, MPH, is Affinia Healthcare's chief medical officer. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Yale University; Master of Public Health from Columbia University; and Medical Doctorate from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She completed her residency at Washington University/Barnes Jewish hospital. Dr. Tepe is a board certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist.
At Brighter Futures Foundation, our mission is to empower Saint Louis women with the resources, information, and support they need to take control of their reproductive health. Through improved access to comprehensive birth control options, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), we aim to break the cycle of unplanned pregnancies and intergenerational poverty. By providing women the power to decide when and if to become pregnant, we are fostering educational and economic opportunities, healthier families, and a future defined by choice and empowerment.
This Information is taken directly from The Bridgespan Group. For more information, resources and links go to Contraceptive Choice Project and LARC4CO