A growing number of American women are ending their child-bearing years without ever having born a child.

According to a Pew Research Center report, nearly 1 in 5 women between the ages of 40-44 was childless in 2008. In 1970, the rate was 1 in 10.

The trend held true for all races and ethnic groups, and largely along educational lines. In fact, women who were most educated also were least likely to have born a child in 2008, but for women with advanced degrees – master’s and Ph.D.s and professional degrees – the trend showed signs of slowing.

By race and ethnic group, white women are most likely not to have borne a child. But over the past decade, childless rates have risen more rapidly for black, Hispanic and Asian women.

By marital status, women who have never married are most likely to be childless, but their rates have declined over the past decade, while the rate of childlessness has risen for the so-called ever-married -- those who are married or were at one time.

There were 1.9 million childless women ages 40-44 in 2008, compared with nearly 580,000 in 1976.

Possible Explanations: Scholars say social pressure to bear children appears to have diminished for women. Also, improved job opportunities and contraceptive methods help create more alternatives for women who choose not to have children.

At the same time, the Pew report states, there has been a general trend toward delayed marriage and childbearing, especially among highly educated women.

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