A Florida couple who gave birth to a baby who was not biologically theirs after an alleged fertility clinic mix-up announced they have identified their daughter’s genetic parents. Tiffany Score and Steven Mills said testing confirmed the biological parents of their 4-month-old daughter Shea, though the couple plans to keep raising her themselves.

Clinic Allegedly Implanted Wrong Embryo

Score and Mills filed a lawsuit in January against Fertility Center of Orlando and Dr. Milton McNichol. The couple alleged that in April 2025, the clinic implanted another patient’s embryo in Score’s uterus instead of one of the three viable embryos the white couple had stored there since 2020. They discovered the error when their daughter displayed physical characteristics inconsistent with Caucasian heritage. Genetic testing confirmed Shea had no biological relationship to either parent.

Questions Remain About Missing Embryos

The couple’s statement, obtained by People magazine, revealed mixed emotions about the discovery. Score and Mills confirmed they will continue raising Shea and respect the biological parents’ privacy by keeping their identities confidential. The biological parents have not requested custody of the child. However, critical questions remain unanswered about the fate of Score and Mills’ three stored embryos. The couple fears they may never learn whether another woman was impregnated with their biological child or what happened to their genetic material.

Clinic Closing Amid Controversy

The couple’s attorney Jack Scarola told reporters that legal proceedings will continue to address the missing embryos. Scarola indicated the couple will seek compensation for expenses and severe emotional trauma. The Fertility Center of Orlando announced earlier this month it will close by May 20. The clinic called the decision the result of thoughtful consideration but provided no further explanation. Score and Mills emphasized their commitment to Shea remains absolute regardless of genetic ties.

What This Means

This case highlights critical vulnerabilities in fertility clinic procedures and embryo handling protocols. The lawsuit filed by Score and Mills alleges negligence that resulted in life-altering consequences for multiple families. While the couple bonded with Shea during pregnancy and birth, the mix-up raises profound questions about parental rights, medical accountability, and the emotional toll of such errors. The clinic’s closure leaves unresolved questions about what happened to the couple’s biological embryos and whether proper safeguards existed to prevent such mistakes.