Additional Coverage:
- Florida couple will keep baby who is not genetically theirs following IVF clinic mix-up (themirror.com)
A Florida couple will retain custody of their baby following a rare and dramatic embryo mix-up at an IVF clinic.
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills filed a lawsuit in January against the Fertility Center of Orlando and its lead reproductive endocrinologist after discovering that the baby girl Score gave birth to in December was not genetically theirs.
The couple, both white, had undergone in vitro fertilization at the Longwood, Florida, clinic. After noticing that their daughter exhibited physical traits inconsistent with their racial background, they pursued genetic testing. The results revealed that baby Shea was 100% South Asian, according to the couple’s attorney.
The lawsuit initiated a search for the couple whose embryo was mistakenly implanted into Score. In April, attorneys announced they had located Shea’s biological parents, whose names remain confidential. In a recent court filing, Score and Mills’ attorney revealed that both families had reached a mutually agreed-upon custody arrangement.
Under this agreement, Score and Mills are recognized as the permanent custodial parents of Shea. No further details of the arrangement were disclosed.
During a court hearing on Monday, Judge Margaret Schreiber expressed support for the agreement, noting, “I’m glad the parties have reached an agreement while this child is relatively young.”
The unusual case has drawn national attention and sparked broader discussions about legal rights in such rare embryo mix-up situations.
From the beginning, Score and Mills emphasized their strong emotional bond with Shea, formed during pregnancy, and declared their commitment to being her parents forever. The defendants have not contested that Shea is not genetically related to the plaintiffs.
Representatives for Shea’s biological parents and the fertility clinic have not responded to requests for comment. The clinic announced it would be closing this spring. Meanwhile, the couple’s lawsuit remains active as genetic testing proceeds on a frozen embryo the clinic says belongs to them.
In a statement shared by their attorney, Score and Mills expressed their dedication to respecting the privacy of Shea’s biological parents and fostering a relationship of friendship and trust moving forward.