Legal Outcome and Company Response
Lisa Domski, a former BCBSM IT specialist, was awarded $12.7 million after a jury found the company unlawfully discriminated against her by denying her religious exemption request from its COVID-19 vaccine mandate and firing her.
BCBSM, while respecting the jury process, expressed disappointment in the verdict and is considering legal options for an appeal, maintaining that its vaccine policy was designed to promote health and safety.
Background and Context
Domski's request was based on her Catholic beliefs against abortion, citing the use of fetal cell lines in vaccine development. The Vatican, while permitting the use of such vaccines, emphasized voluntary vaccination and efforts to avoid transmission.
Despite working remotely and posing no risk to others, denied Domski's exemption, amid allegations of inconsistent handling of religious exemption requests and a broader context of over 500 similar requests being denied.