FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The number of American women without children is at an all-time high.
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A recent report by the Pew Research center shows one in five women between the ages of 40 and 44 were childless in 2008 - that's an 80 percent increase from the 1970s.
This is a phenomenon that's being seen across all racial and ethnic groups, and most education levels. White women are the most likely not to have children; but childless rates are growing more quickly for blacks, Hispanics and Asians over the last decade.
Researchers say part of the reason behind all this is people are waiting longer to get married and have kids.
Experts tell AOL Health that people are freer and enjoying their lives more - doing things like traveling, shopping and eating out. All of which are much easier to do without a baby in the picture.
They also say many women are delaying getting pregnant because they can't find someone they want to have a child with - they're either very picky or very educated.
Also in the last 30 years, contraception has gotten better and there are improved job opportunities for women. Research shows there's less pressure from society now to be a mom, and the decision to have a child is seen as an individual choice.
And don't forget about money. Especially in tough economic times like these and with high unemployment, many people may feel they're not in the financial position to have children.
Here’s my question to you: Why is the number of childless women at an all-time high?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Chris in Ohio writes:
Well, Jack, a lot of things have changed since you were a kid during the Hoover administration. Women actually have careers of their own now and can't wait for immature 30-year-old men - who play video games all day and think Jackass 3D was awesome - to help raise children. Why raise a child and husband at the same time? More power to them. Leave it to Beaver was a long time ago.
Joseph in California writes:
I know a number of women who have decided not to have children because they believe this country is no longer a good place to bring up children. A collapsed economy, endless wars, the disappearing middle class as the upper 2% get wealthier. Doesn't take a rocket science to see their point.
Sharon writes:
Women are realizing the power within us and due to the insanity in society today we are beginning to use it and teach it to our girls! When my mom grew up, they were told: find a good man and settle down. When I was growing up, we were told: go to school and then find a good man. Now I am telling my daughter as she grows up: go to school, start a business, buy a home and then let the good man find you!
Melissa writes:
I'm 34 years old and I don't see my husband and me ever having children unless it's an accident. We're both too selfish, and love our freedom too much for kids. I like the ability to come and go as I please and do what I want when I want to do it. You can't do that with kids.
Tom writes:
Because the educational levels of women are at an all-time high.
Dick writes:
4 years of Carter, 8 years of Reagan, 4 years of Bush I, 8 years of Clinton, 8 years of Bush II and 2 years of Obama, would be more than enough to scare any woman out of starting a next generation.
Jeff in Bishop, Georgia writes:
They're probably all depressed that I am married and unavailable to be the father of their rug-rats.