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Entering a union and having a first child are closely linked events, but social features which may be reflected in the age at union formation, are rarely discussed. Using data from the Étude des parcours individuels et conjugaux, or the EPIC survey (INED–INSEE, 2013–2014), this article examines the role of age at first cohabitation on the occurrence of a first birth and its timing, taking account of the characteristics of individuals and of unions formed between ages 17 and 40. Both men and women have a child more quickly if the union is formed after age 32. While births occur more quickly, permanent childlessness is more frequent among people who form the latest unions, close to the end of their reproductive life, than among those who enter a union at an earlier age. These results remain significant after controlling for employment status at the time of union formation, partnership status, and the partners’ characteristics. In addition to biological aspects, people who form a first union in their 30s may be less inclined to have children or may feel it is socially too late to start a family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Postponement of first births and an increase in childlessness are significant trends across European countries. While educational differentials for motherhood are well documented, this is less true for fatherhood. OBJECTIVE To compare late first birth and childlessness trends in men and women, across cohorts and by education. METHODS The analysis relies on French administrative data from the 2016 Permanent Demographic Sample (EDP). Ages at first birth and shares of childlessness are computed by educational levels and between cohorts from 1950 to 1970. RESULTS Across cohorts, higher-educated women tend to "catch up" after delaying first births, while lower-educated women more often remain childless. For men, there is a slight catch-up among the higher-educated group, especially in the most recent cohorts, but not enough yet to offset the increase in childlessness. Childlessness also remains particularly high among the lower-educated group of men. CONCLUSION Catching up after a delayed first birth is more frequent among men and especially women with more economic and social resources. While women are more biologically ageconstrained than men are, social barriers may also prevent individuals from entering motherhood and fatherhood at late reproductive ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]