Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, a couple from Florida, recently faced a complex and emotional situation concerning their journey to parenthood after a mix-up at a fertility clinic. Initially, they had produced and stored three viable embryos through the Fertility Center of Orlando in Longwood. However, following the birth of their daughter, Shea, the couple discovered that she was not genetically related to them, leading to a lawsuit against the clinic.
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In April 2025, Score underwent an embryo implantation with what they believed was one of their embryos. They were overjoyed by Shea’s arrival in December of that year. However, their happiness turned to confusion when they realised that the newborn did not resemble either parent. Genetic testing subsequently confirmed that Shea was not biologically theirs. This shocking revelation prompted them to identify Shea’s biological parents, though those individuals’ identities have remained confidential for privacy reasons.
Recent court filings indicate that Score and Mills have established a “mutually devised custody agreement” with the biological parents. While the specifics of this arrangement are confidential, court documents reveal that the couple retains their rights as Shea’s legal custodians. The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Margaret Schreiber, expressed her satisfaction over the agreement, noting its importance while Shea remains young.
Despite this resolution regarding custody, Score and Mills have continued to express concerns about their remaining frozen embryos. Their legal action not only aimed at securing custody of their daughter but also sought answers regarding the whereabouts of the embryos. According to court documents, the Fertility Center of Orlando claims that one viable embryo remains; however, there are discrepancies as one embryo reportedly went missing, and another resulted in a miscarriage.
The couple has since engaged another fertility clinic to manage the situation with their last remaining embryo. They have initiated arrangements for the embryo’s transfer and intend to conduct parentage testing to ascertain its lineage. However, their attorney, Jack Scarola, acknowledged that the couple is apprehensive about the embryo’s true origins. The necessary testing poses a risk to the embryo’s viability, complicating their decision on future steps.
Score and Mills have expressed a desire for privacy during this challenging period. They acknowledged that they may never receive all the answers they seek but reaffirmed their commitment to their daughter. Their emotional statement underscored a deep assurance of their love and devotion to Shea, regardless of the circumstances surrounding her conception.
As this case continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise in assisted reproductive technology. The court has decided to keep the couple’s suit open while additional testing is carried out. The Fertility Center of Orlando has announced it will be closing, but plans are in place to open another clinic on the same premises.
Responses from the now-closed fertility clinic and the doctor implicated in the lawsuit have yet to be forthcoming. As Score and Mills navigate through the unresolved aspects of their case, their primary focus remains on their daughter and the love they hold for her. The emotional journey they have endured highlights the intricate challenges faced by families navigating the world of fertility treatments.