Florida couple in IVF mix-up case will keep baby not genetically theirs
Florida IVF Mix-Up Case: Couple Retains Custody of Non-Genetically Linked Child
Florida couple in IVF mix up case - In a recent legal development, a Florida couple who became the parents of a child not genetically related to them via in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been granted permanent custody of the baby. This decision, outlined in court filings, marks the resolution of a unique case that has sparked discussions about the complexities of reproductive technology and parental rights.
The Custody Agreement
The couple, Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, reached an agreement with the biological parents of their child, Shea, earlier this month. The terms of this arrangement, documented in court records, allow Score and Mills to continue as Shea’s primary caregivers indefinitely. The biological parents, who have chosen to remain anonymous, are only referenced in legal documents as Patient 004, adding an element of mystery to the case.
According to the records, the parties involved “have come to a mutually devised custody agreement,” which was finalized without the need for prolonged litigation. This agreement not only secures the couple’s parental rights but also acknowledges the emotional and legal challenges faced by all parties. The biological parents, though unnamed, have reportedly expressed satisfaction with the outcome, allowing the couple to maintain their bond with Shea.
Discovery of Biological Parents
The identification of Shea’s biological parents emerged in April 2025 when a genetic testing initiative at the fertility center led to the revelation. Couples who had undergone IVF treatments were tested to determine the origin of their pregnancies, uncovering a surprising link to Patient 004. The process highlighted the potential for errors in embryo handling, a concern that has since escalated into a broader legal inquiry.
Tiffany Score gave birth to Shea on December 11, 2025, following IVF procedures at the Fertility Clinic of Orlando. The clinic’s records indicate that the baby’s genetic makeup was distinct from the couple’s, with Shea appearing to have a different racial background. This discrepancy raised questions about the accuracy of the embryo transfer process, which the couple now seeks to investigate further.
The Legal Battle and Embryo Concerns
Amid the custody agreement, Score and Mills have initiated a lawsuit against the clinic, IVF Life Inc., and Dr. Milton McNichol, the physician who oversaw the treatment. The legal action alleges negligence in the handling of embryos, suggesting that the mix-up may have affected more than just Shea. The couple is now working to uncover the full extent of the error, including whether other patients were implanted with their embryos or if additional children could be biologically theirs.
In a statement released in April, Score and Mills emphasized their commitment to their child, stating: “Only one thing is as absolutely certain today as it was on the day our daughter was born – we will love and will be this child’s parents forever.” This sentiment underscores their determination to move forward with their family life despite the unexpected circumstances. However, the couple’s concern extends beyond their own situation, as they aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the IVF process.
Clarity in the Genetic Testing Process
The court documents detail the timeline of events leading to the discovery of Shea’s biological origins. The fertility center conducted genetic tests in April 2025, which were part of a broader effort to identify potential mix-ups. These tests revealed that the embryos transferred to Score and Mills were not their own, raising the possibility of a clerical or procedural error. The couple’s pregnancy began in April 2025, with the birth of Shea occurring just months later.
The lawsuit now requests that the clinic perform free genetic testing on all patients and children born from embryo implantation during the past five years. This period corresponds to the duration the clinic had possession of the couple’s embryos, as outlined in the legal filing. The request aims to address any potential misidentifications and provide clarity for other families who may have experienced similar situations.
Transition and Future Steps
As the custody agreement is now official, the couple has turned their attention to understanding what happened to the embryos they initially provided to the clinic. They are particularly concerned about the possibility of other patients being unknowingly linked to their genetic material, which could affect their parental rights and the identities of other children born through the same process.
The fertility center’s closure earlier this year has added another layer to the case. While the clinic informed patients of its shutdown, it did not specify the reason, leaving room for speculation. The transition to CNY Fertility, a new clinic set to take over, raises questions about how the new facility will handle similar embryo mix-ups. Score and Mills hope that the lawsuit will not only clarify their situation but also lead to improved protocols at the clinic.
Throughout this process, the couple has remained focused on their daughter, Shea, who has already become an integral part of their lives. Their journey has highlighted the emotional and legal nuances of IVF, where the possibility of a biological connection is not always guaranteed. As they navigate this new chapter, the couple’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that accompany modern reproductive advancements.
Media and Public Response
USA TODAY has reached out to the clinic, the attorneys representing Score and Mills, the biological parents, and Dr. Milton McNichol for additional insights. The story has generated significant public interest, with many questioning the reliability of IVF procedures and the importance of genetic testing in fertility treatments.
Michelle Del Rey, a trending news reporter at USA TODAY, has been covering the case. She can be contacted at mdelrey@usatoday.com for further details. The case has also sparked discussions among medical professionals and legal experts about the need for stricter oversight in fertility clinics to prevent future mix-ups.
As the couple moves forward, their decision to retain custody of Shea reflects both their love for the child and their confidence in the legal system’s ability to protect their parental bond. This case, while unique, highlights the broader implications of IVF on family dynamics and the importance of clear communication between patients and medical staff in reproductive technologies.
In summary, the Florida IVF mix-up case represents a pivotal moment for Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, who have transformed their initial uncertainty into a lasting commitment to their child. The legal agreement, the ongoing investigation into the clinic’s practices, and the couple’s proactive approach to addressing the issue collectively underscore the evolving landscape of assisted reproductive technology and its impact on personal and legal life.