US childlessness is up, but racial gaps narrowing By HOPE YEN 2010-06-25T05:44:52Z WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nearly 1 in 5 American women beyond childbearing years never gave birth as fewer couples, particularly higher-educated whites, view having children as necessary to a good marriage.... © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.