A Florida couple who gave birth to a daughter not biologically related to them after a fertility clinic mix-up confirmed they have identified the child’s genetic parents. The discovery marks a critical development in a case raising profound questions about parental rights, medical accountability, and the emotional toll of reproductive technology errors.
Fertility Clinic Mix-Up Leads to Shocking Discovery
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills filed a lawsuit in January against Fertility Center of Orlando and Dr. Milton McNichol, alleging the wrong embryo was implanted in Score’s uterus during an April 2025 procedure. The couple, both Caucasian, stored three viable embryos at the Longwood clinic in 2020 for in vitro fertilization. When their daughter Shea was born, her physical appearance immediately raised concerns that genetic testing later confirmed—she had no biological connection to either parent.
The lawsuit states that while the parents developed an intense emotional bond with their daughter during pregnancy and after birth, they recognized she should be united with her genetic parents if they are fit and willing to take her. Attorney Jack Scarola told media that Shea’s biological parents have not made any requests to take custody of the now four-month-old girl.
Unanswered Questions About Missing Embryos
Score and Mills face an agonizing uncertainty about the fate of their own three embryos. The couple’s statement Wednesday acknowledged that questions about their embryos remain unanswered and may never be resolved. The possibility that another woman was impregnated with their biological child compounds their trauma. Scarola indicated legal proceedings will remain open to address these unresolved matters while the couple seeks compensation for expenses and severe emotional distress.
Clinic Closure Complicates Accountability
The Fertility Clinic of Orlando announced earlier this month it will close by May 20, a decision leadership said followed thoughtful consideration. The closure raises concerns about accountability and whether other patients may have been affected by similar errors. Score and Mills pledged to keep Shea’s biological parents’ identities confidential while affirming their permanent commitment to the child. They stated unequivocally that regardless of genetic connections, they will love and be Shea’s parents forever, even as they pursue legal remedies for the catastrophic medical error that upended multiple families.
