A Florida couple who gave birth to a baby genetically unrelated to them after an alleged fertility clinic error have identified the child’s biological parents, raising profound questions about medical accountability and the fate of their own embryos.
Clinic Error Creates Impossible Situation
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills filed a lawsuit in January against the Fertility Center of Orlando and Dr. Milton McNichol, alleging the clinic implanted another patient’s embryo into Score’s uterus during an April 2025 procedure. The mix-up resulted in the birth of their daughter Shea, now four months old, who genetic testing confirmed shares no biological connection with either parent. The couple, both white, stored three viable embryos at the Longwood clinic in 2020 for in vitro fertilization treatment.
The lawsuit stated that baby Shea displayed physical characteristics of a non-Caucasian child, prompting genetic testing that delivered devastating confirmation. Despite the biological reality, Score and Mills formed an intense emotional bond with Shea during pregnancy and wish to keep her. Their lawsuit acknowledged the child should be united with her genetic parents if they prove fit, able, and willing to take custody.
Biological Parents Located But Questions Remain
Attorney Jack Scarola confirmed Wednesday that Shea’s biological parents have been identified through testing, though they have made no custody requests. The couple’s own three embryos remain unaccounted for, creating fears another woman may have been impregnated with their biological child. Score and Mills pledged to keep the biological parents’ identities confidential while vowing to remain Shea’s parents forever regardless of genetic ties.
Clinic Closes as Legal Battle Continues
The Fertility Center of Orlando announced earlier this month it would permanently close by May 20 following what leadership described as thoughtful consideration. Scarola stated the legal proceedings will address the missing embryos and pursue compensation for expenses and severe emotional trauma his clients endured. The case highlights vulnerabilities in fertility clinic protocols and the devastating consequences when medical procedures involving human embryos go catastrophically wrong. The clinic and Dr. McNichol did not respond to requests for comment.
