A Florida couple is grappling with a complex situation after an embryo mix-up resulted in their biological child being born to another family. Their attorney, Rob Marcereau, shared insights about their challenging journey.
The biological parents, who remain anonymous as Patient 004, recently reached an agreement allowing the child’s birth parents to retain custody. Marcereau described the past months as devastating for his clients. According to him, they chose not to pursue custody, understanding that both families are enduring emotional pain. The biological parents care deeply about their daughter, Shea, but opted against a challenging legal battle believing it was best for her.
Shea was born in December to Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, who underwent in vitro fertilization at Fertility Center of Orlando. The couple discovered through genetic testing that Shea was unrelated to them, leading to a lawsuit against the clinic.
“They are heartbroken over what has happened, and they also understand the birth couple are also suffering,” Marcereau said.
After discovering the mix-up, Score and Mills initiated a search for the biological parents. Their attorney announced in April that the parents had been located.
Score and Mills’ decision to undergo genetic testing on Shea arose when she appeared racially different from them. Testing confirmed Shea’s South Asian heritage, unrelated to Score and Mills.
The case highlights concerns about U.S. IVF regulation. Experts point out that oversight here is lacking compared to other nations. Such mix-ups are rare, known to affect only a few cases nationwide.
Accompanying their lawsuit, Score and Mills accused the Fertility Center of Orlando and its lead reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Milton McNichol, of negligence. McNichol has not responded publicly.
Plans for a lawsuit against the clinic and doctor are in motion from Shea’s biological parents, who feel forced into a painful decision. They consider this error inexcusable, as Marcereau stated.
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