Mediación familiar: mecanismo de equilibrio para dirimir conflictos de mujeres Embarazadas sobre Derecho a Alimentos

Abstract

This study examines family mediation as a balancing mechanism to resolve conflicts concerning the right to prenatal support in Ecuador. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research combines a legal and doctrinal review of the Ecuadorian framework with an empirical survey of pregnant women, parents involved in prenatal support cases, and family mediators/attorneys. The survey investigated legal awareness, perceptions of fairness and equity, and satisfaction with mediation processes. Findings indicate that, according to respondents, mediation can produce faster agreements and foster paternal co-responsibility when conducted with accurate information and qualified mediators; nevertheless, concerns persist in the public understanding of the right and the need for clear criteria to ensure protection of the mother and the unborn child. Based on these results, the study offers recommendations to enhance the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for prenatal support and to inform public policies aimed at equity and comprehensive protection