In a deeply unsettling case that has captured national attention, a Florida couple, Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, have reached a custody arrangement concerning their daughter born as a result of a mix-up during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The couple gave birth to a baby girl named Shea, who was not genetically related to them, due to the erroneous implantation of another couple’s embryo.
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The situation arose after Score and Mills sought assistance from the Fertility Center of Orlando to start their family. After undergoing treatment, they created three viable embryos. In April 2025, Score was implanted with what they believed was one of their embryos. However, on December 11, 2025, when Shea was born, the couple observed that the baby did not resemble either of them, raising immediate concerns about her genetic lineage.
Rob Marcereau, the attorney representing the genetic parents, has since stated that this couple would have preferred to seek custody of Shea but faced significant legal challenges. “The laws in this country, and particularly in Florida, generally favour the parents who actually give birth to a child,” Marcereau explained. “It would have been an incredibly uphill legal battle for them.”
Although the genetic parents, who choose to remain anonymous, initially considered contesting for custody, they ultimately opted to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with Score and Mills, allowing the couple to maintain their status as permanent custodial parents of the child. Marcereau emphasised the emotional toll this situation has taken on all parties involved, saying, “They are heartbroken over what has happened and they also understand that the birth couple are also suffering.”
Following recent genetic testing that confirmed the identity of Shea’s biological parents, Score and Mills have expressed their commitment to finding a fulfilling path forward amid the complexities of the situation. In a previous statement, the couple acknowledged they felt a “moral obligation to find her genetic parents.” They hoped that by pursuing legal action, they could ultimately embrace the joy that Shea brings to their lives without the burden of uncertainty.
The recent custody arrangement has reportedly been formalised in a court document but keeps the identities of the biological parents confidential. In private meetings, there have been emotional exchanges; Marcereau noted exchanging “tears and hugs” between the two couples, demonstrating the depth of feelings involved.
In addition to their custody arrangement, the biological parents have indicated their intention to sue the IVF clinic along with Score and Mills. Marcereau stated, “They have been placed in such a difficult situation that no one should be put in, and this agony is inexcusable.”
As this case continues to evolve, Score and Mills remain focused on nurturing their daughter while also establishing a relationship with Shea’s biological parents. A representative for the couple indicated that they would refrain from further comment as they navigated this complex and sensitive situation.
The Fertility Center of Orlando, accused of being involved in the embryo mix-up, has recently announced its closure, although another clinic is set to open in the same location. Reports indicate that one of the original embryos remains unaccounted for, while a second resulted in miscarriage. Currently, the couple has one remaining frozen embryo and plans to test it for parentage.
This case serves not only as a cautionary tale within the realm of reproductive technology but also highlights the emotional and legal dilemmas faced by families navigating the often complex world of fertility treatments. As Score and Mills reflect on their journey, they are adamant that their love for Shea remains unaltered, stating, “Only one thing is absolutely certain today as it was on the day our daughter was born — we will love and will be this child’s parents forever.”
In light of the challenges this case has presented, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of clear communication and ethical practices within fertility clinics, as well as the significant emotional stakes involved in the lives of those affected.