Additional Coverage:
- Genetic parents of baby born to couple in IVF mix up forced to give up child against their wishes (themirror.com)
A rare and heart-wrenching mix-up at an IVF clinic in Florida has led to a complex custody situation involving a baby girl named Shea. Earlier this year, Tiffany Score and Steven Mills discovered through genetic testing that the child Score carried and delivered was not biologically theirs. This revelation prompted a lawsuit against the Fertility Center of Orlando and set in motion a search for Shea’s biological parents.
Despite the emotional turmoil, both families have reached a custody agreement. According to a court filing on Friday, Score and Mills and the baby’s biological parents mutually agreed that Tiffany and Steven would remain the permanent custodial parents of Shea. Judge Margaret Schreiber expressed relief at the resolution during a court hearing, emphasizing the importance of settling the matter while the child is still young.
Representing the biological parents, attorney Rob Marcerau described the situation as “absolutely impossible” for his clients, who chose to remain anonymous. He explained that they were devastated upon learning their embryo had been implanted in another woman and, despite their wishes, decided against pursuing custody to avoid a prolonged legal battle. Marcerau noted that Florida law tends to favor the birth mother in such cases, making the path to gaining custody exceedingly difficult.
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills have stated their intention to maintain a positive relationship with Shea’s biological parents while protecting their daughter’s privacy. Their attorney acknowledged the public’s interest in the case but emphasized that further comments would not be made to shield the families from unwanted media attention.
This extraordinary case underscores the emotional and legal complexities that can arise from IVF errors, highlighting the delicate balance between biological ties and the bonds formed through birth and parenting.