Law Academic Builds International Bridges at Health Law Conference in the USA

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Law academic and PhD candidate Ms Nomfundo Mthembu represented UKZN at the 48th Annual Health Professors Conference held at Boston University in the United States with distinction, presenting pioneering research on genetic discrimination and assisted reproductive technologies.

Mthembu’s paper, titled: “Intersection of Genetic Discrimination and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Comparative Analysis of the United States and South Africa”, explored the legal and ethical complexities surrounding reproductive technologies, particularly in the context of genetic screening. By comparing the regulatory frameworks of South Africa and the United States, Mthembu highlighted critical areas for policy development to safeguard against discrimination and promote reproductive justice.

She is currently pursuing her PhD on the regulation of assisted reproduction under the supervision of Professor Donrich Thaldar, a leading voice in health law and bioethics. Her doctoral studies are funded by the National Research Foundation’s Black Academic Advancement Programme, which supports the development of the next generation of Black scholars in South Africa.

With Thaldar’s mentorship, she also secured an academic collaboration with colleagues from Harvard University and Boston University during her time in the United States - a promising connection that may lead to joint international research on reproductive rights and global health law.

Said Mthembu: ‘This trip has opened doors I hadn’t even imagined. It has not only advanced my own research, but it’s also helped elevate UKZN’s visibility as a serious contributor to international health law scholarship.’

Mthembu is playing a key role in positioning UKZN as a leader in health law research, particularly in the critical and rapidly evolving field of reproductive technologies and genetic ethics. Her work is gaining recognition both for its scholarly contribution and its relevance to real-world legal and policy challenges.

The Health Law Professors Conference is a premier event in the global health law community, bringing together scholars, legal practitioners and policymakers from around the world. For Mthembu, it marked a pivotal step forward in her academic journey and in building lasting international partnerships. As the global conversation around genetic innovation and reproductive rights continues to grow, researchers like Nomfundo Mthembu are ensuring that African voices and perspectives are not just included but are helping lead the way.

The School of Law commends Mthembu for flying the UKZN flag high in the international arena as it responds to Goal five of the University’s Strategic Plan which promotes internationalisation.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied