Mandy Rodrigues

South Africa

I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.  I hold the degree BA (Honours) (SA), MA (Research) (Cum Laude) (SA), MA (Clin. Psych) (Cum Laude) (SA).  I have been in private practice since 1995, and battling with my own miscarriage, infertility and cancer journey ignited the passion for me to specialize in the field. My Master’s degrees were both about the field of psychoneuroimmunology and the effects of stress and exercise. We transposed this work to infertility and established a link, encouraging the publication of a book, research and an on-line stress management course for patients.  

My work in private practice includes individual and couple counselling, prior to, during and after their fertility journeys including loss and third-party decisions like sperm/donor and surrogacy decisions. I have been doing forensic work for over twenty years in surrogacy and have been an expert witness in a number of landmark cases for the High Court as regards ART. I consult to various Clinics, Fertility Clinic, working with a multidisciplinary team in relation to women’s health and infertility.  

I am the Chairperson of the SIG Committee for SASREG, and sit on various committees offering guidelines to government and ART bodies.  I am also a contributing expert for various support groups in South Africa such as IFAASA, House of Fertility, Empty Wombs and Hannah-you-are-not-alone.  I hosted and chaired the Support Zone in the Fertility Show Africa, organizing speakers, topics and interactive games around infertility.  I have been nominated to do the same for the upcoming hybrid show this year as a committee member. I am also the co-author of research been done by the University of KZN on egg donation and consent.