A Florida couple suing a fertility clinic after giving birth to a child not biologically related to them confirmed they have identified their daughter’s genetic parents. The discovery marks a painful milestone in a lawsuit alleging a catastrophic embryo mix-up that has left multiple families in legal and emotional turmoil.

Mix-Up Confirmed Through DNA Testing

Tiffany Score and Steven Mills filed their lawsuit in January against Fertility Center of Orlando and its head reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Milton McNichol. The couple alleges that in April 2025, another patient’s embryo was implanted in Score’s uterus instead of their own. The error became apparent after Score gave birth to their now four-month-old daughter, Shea, whose physical appearance differed from expectations. Genetic testing confirmed the child shares no biological connection to either parent. The couple, both Caucasian, had stored three viable embryos at the Longwood clinic in 2020 for in vitro fertilization.

Score and Mills released a statement obtained by People magazine acknowledging the identification of Shea’s biological parents. The couple emphasized their commitment to their daughter while respecting the privacy of her genetic family. Their attorney, Jack Scarola, confirmed that Shea’s biological parents have not requested custody. The fate of Score and Mills’ own three embryos remains unknown, raising disturbing questions about whether another woman may have been impregnated with their biological child. The couple stated they will seek compensation for expenses and severe emotional trauma while keeping Shea’s biological parents’ identities confidential.

Clinic Closure Announced

The Fertility Center of Orlando announced earlier this month it will permanently close by May 20. Leadership described the decision as made after thoughtful consideration, though the timing follows the devastating lawsuit. The closure raises additional concerns for Score and Mills, as obtaining answers about their missing embryos becomes increasingly unlikely. Their lawsuit originally stated they formed an intensely strong emotional bond with Shea during pregnancy and wished to keep her, while recognizing she should be united with her genetic parents if they are fit and willing.

Legal Battle Continues

Attorney Scarola indicated the legal proceedings will remain open to address unresolved matters regarding the couple’s unaccounted embryos. The focus will expand to securing compensation for expenses and the emotional trauma Score and Mills have endured and will continue to experience. The couple’s statement emphasized one absolute certainty remains unchanged from the day Shea was born: they will love and parent this child forever, regardless of genetic connection. Neither Scarola nor the fertility clinic responded to requests for comment. The case highlights potential vulnerabilities in fertility clinic protocols and raises questions about oversight in the rapidly growing assisted reproduction industry.