A Florida couple has initiated legal proceedings against a fertility clinic after discovering they were implanted with the wrong embryo during their in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) journey. Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, who welcomed their daughter Shea on December 11, 2025, are now on a quest to locate the biological parents of the child, highlighting the emotional complexities of their situation.
The Lawsuit and Its Implications
The couple has filed their lawsuit against IVF Life Inc., operating as the Fertility Center of Orlando, and Dr. Milton McNichol, the clinic’s lead physician. Initially, the lawsuit was submitted under pseudonyms to safeguard their family’s privacy. According to court documents, three viable embryos were produced using Score’s eggs and Mills’s sperm, with one successfully implanted in April 2025.
However, after Shea’s birth, the couple noticed discrepancies in her appearance compared to theirs, leading to genetic testing that confirmed the child bore no genetic relation to either parent. This shocking revelation has prompted them to seek compensation, although the exact amount they are pursuing remains unspecified.
A Call for Help
On January 29, Score took to social media to share their ordeal with friends and family, expressing her profound love for Shea while stressing their moral duty to identify her genetic parents. She stated, “While we are profoundly grateful to have Shea in our lives and love her immeasurably, we also recognise that we have a moral obligation to find her genetic parents.” The couple’s joy has been overshadowed by the painful knowledge that another family may be raising their biological child.
Score elaborated on the emotional toll this situation has taken, stating they have felt “like prisoners in our own home.” Her post was intended to encourage a sense of freedom and allow them to celebrate Shea, the light in their lives amidst the turmoil. She also urged anyone with information about Shea’s biological family to come forward.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In response to their predicament, Alexa Score, Tiffany’s sister, has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds to cover extensive medical costs associated with IVF treatments, hospital expenses, and mental health support. The campaign has so far raised over £8,000 of its £10,000 target. It also aims to assist in the search for Shea’s biological family and the couple’s genetic embryos.
In the fundraising description, Alexa expressed the family’s frustration, noting the Fertility Center of Orlando has provided minimal assistance in their search for Shea’s biological parents. She stated, “Tiff and Steve feel a moral obligation to find and notify Shea’s biological parents, as they would want the same if the roles were reversed.” The lack of action from the clinic in this sensitive matter has been described as “reprehensible”.
Clinic’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Fertility Center of Orlando has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating in a now-deleted online post that they are actively cooperating with an investigation to determine the source of the error that led to the birth of a child not genetically related to the intended parents. They emphasised their commitment to transparency and the well-being of both the patient and the child, pledging to assist throughout the investigative process.
Why it Matters
This case raises significant ethical concerns within the fertility treatment industry, highlighting the emotional and psychological ramifications of medical errors. For families undergoing IVF, the stakes are incredibly high, making it crucial for clinics to maintain the highest standards of care and transparency. As Score and Mills navigate this challenging journey, their story not only sheds light on the complexity of parental identity but also underscores the importance of accountability in healthcare practices, particularly in the realm of reproductive medicine.
