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Could immunity certificates be a way to begin reopening the economy after it has come to a halt due to the new coronavirus?

Seema Mohapatra, Associate Professor of Law and Dean’s Fellow at IU McKinney, spoke to OneZero, an online tech and science publication at Medium for an April 23 story about whether having the right antibodies against the COVID-19 virus could pave the way for immunity certificates, and possibly more freedom. But there are some concerns, starting with the validity of such antibody testing.

“If we are going to use immunity certificates, we need to make sure they’re scientifically valid,” Professor Mohapatra said.

Then there are concerns about employment. If employers could deny work to those who are not immune, it would be a big step back from current protections, she said. “We have tried so hard to make sure that employers cannot use health information for hiring and firing decisions and that people can be employed regardless of their health status. I don’t think it’s at all far-fetched to consider how this could be a slippery slope.”

Professor Mohapatra is an expert in the areas of health care law, public health law, bioethics, torts, and international health and family law. Her research interests include the intersection of biosciences and the law, assisted reproduction and surrogacy, international family and health law, health care disparities in the United States, and informed consent.

Also, on April 23 Professor Mohapatra presented a Public Health Law Watch Webinar on reproductive issues and abortion access during the COVID-18 crisis.