Florida Couple’s IVF Nightmare Began When Newborn Didn’t Resemble Either Parent

ORLANDO, FL. (THECOUNT) — Tiffany Score, Steven Mills, their daughter Shea Score Mills, and Shea’s biological parents have reached a custody agreement following an IVF mix-up that led the Florida couple to unknowingly give birth to a child who was not genetically related to them.

The agreement marks the latest development in a case that has drawn national attention and renewed scrutiny of fertility clinic procedures in the United States.

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Tiffany and Steven will continue as Shea’s permanent custodial parents after reaching an agreement with the child’s biological mother and father.

The Florida couple previously filed a lawsuit against the Fertility Center of Orlando, alleging the clinic implanted the wrong embryo during an in vitro fertilization procedure.

Tiffany later gave birth to Shea and soon realized something appeared unusual.

According to the lawsuit, the child’s physical characteristics, including skin tone and facial features, prompted the couple to seek answers regarding the embryo transfer.

The couple ultimately pursued genetic testing in an effort to determine what had occurred.

In April, Tiffany and Steven publicly announced that they had successfully identified Shea’s biological parents through DNA testing and genealogical research.

The discovery brought answers to questions that had lingered for months following the child’s birth.

According to statements released through a representative, the couple expressed gratitude that the identification process allowed Shea’s biological family to be located and provided certainty regarding the child’s future.

The representative said Tiffany and Steven intend to maintain a relationship built on trust and friendship with Shea’s biological parents while continuing to protect the child’s privacy.

“Tiffany and Steve are committed to respect the privacy concerns of Shea’s genetic parents with whom they have begun and intend to continue to foster a relationship of friendship and trust,” the representative said.

The statement further emphasized the couple’s commitment to shielding Shea from unnecessary public attention as she grows older.

The case highlights the emotional and legal complexities that can arise when reproductive technology errors occur.

In vitro fertilization has helped millions of families worldwide conceive children, but rare cases involving embryo mix-ups have generated legal disputes, custody battles, and ethical questions regarding parental rights.

Legal experts note that courts often face difficult questions when determining how to balance genetic parentage with the interests of the individuals who carried, delivered, and raised a child.

In this case, the parties were able to reach an agreement without a prolonged custody battle.

According to court filings, Tiffany and Steven previously produced and stored three viable embryos through the Fertility Center of Orlando.

The couple is now transferring their remaining embryo to another fertility facility.

The Fertility Center of Orlando announced earlier this year that it would cease operations and be replaced by another medical facility.

The clinic has faced increased scrutiny following allegations surrounding the embryo transfer error.

Orlando, located in central Florida, is home to a growing network of reproductive medicine providers serving patients from across the southeastern United States and beyond.

The lawsuit against the fertility clinic remains pending.

Additional court proceedings related to the negligence claims could occur as the litigation continues.

For now, the custody agreement appears to resolve one of the most significant concerns facing both families by establishing stability for Shea while allowing her biological parents to remain connected to her life.

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