JD Vance Comments on Childless Americans Spark Outrage

KQED's Forum

After a video of republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance resurfaced that features him mocking “childless cat ladies,” child-free Americans erupted with outrage. A growing percentage of Americans under 50 — 47%, according to a new study from Pew — say they are unlikely to have kids because they simply don’t want them. Vance’s comments also touched a nerve with people who are childless because of infertility, economic pressures or lack of social support for parents. Many child-free people function as pillars in their communities and make up a significant piece of the electorate. We talk about the rising trend to not have children and what impact this might have on the election. And we hear from you: have you decided not to have children?

Guests:

Amy Blackstone, professor of sociology, University of Maine; author, "Childfree by Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a New Age of Independence"

Natalie Arroyo Camacho, freelance lifestyle writer

Jess Bidgood,, political journalist for The New York Times, author of the recent article, “The Republicans Who Want to Make America Have Babies Again”

Scott Shafer, senior editor, KQED’s California Politics and Government; co-host, Political Breakdown