Want to be part of an evolved and envied elite that’s highly educated, successful, prosperous and enjoying great sex? Simple – don’t have kids. Birth rates amongst 20-something Americans are at their lowest ever and the ‘childfree by choice’ demographic is wealthier, healthier and happier. But why?

New research shows more American women in their 40s are having children than in almost 50 years, and as older women are more likely to give birth - many for the first time - young mums are becoming less common.

In the US, 47% of women of childbearing age are childless. Reports suggest these women are ‘wealthier, healthier and happier’ than mothers. But while this may be true, another group of non-mums are identifying as PANKs; Professional Aunts, No Kids. So who’s joining the ranks of the PANKs?

Family planning has been hugely successful, causing fertility rates to decline worldwide. Although this is often viewed as a triumph, there is growing concern that couples are having fewer children than they would actually want, with some having none at all.