Full Breakdown
Florida Couple Sues Fertility Clinic Over Embryo Mix-Up
2/2/2026, 1:34:54 AM
Allegations of Medical Error
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, a couple from Florida, have filed a lawsuit against the Orlando-based fertility clinic IVF Life, Inc., and its lead reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Milton McNichol, after discovering that their newborn daughter is not biologically related to them. The couple alleges that during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure in April 2025, the clinic mistakenly implanted an embryo belonging to another patient into Score's uterus. They welcomed their daughter, named Shea Score Mills, on December 11, 2025, but immediately noticed that her physical appearance did not match their Caucasian backgrounds.
Following the birth, the couple ordered genetic testing, which confirmed that Shea had "no genetic relationship" to either parent. The couple had previously stored three viable embryos at the clinic in 2020, intending to use them for future pregnancies. They filed their lawsuit on January 22, 2026, after receiving no satisfactory answers from the clinic regarding the mix-up.
Legal Actions and Demands
The lawsuit seeks emergency court orders requiring IVF Life to notify all potentially affected patients, fund genetic testing for children born through the clinic's procedures over the past five years, and disclose whether other families may have been impacted by similar errors. The couple's attorney, John Scarola, expressed concerns that their own embryos may have been implanted in another patient, potentially resulting in additional pregnancies or children being raised without their knowledge.
Scarola emphasized the emotional bond that Score and Mills have developed with Shea, stating that while they are willing to raise her, they feel a moral obligation to connect her with her biological parents if they are identified. The couple has expressed their love for Shea, describing her as a "beautiful, healthy baby girl" but also acknowledging the distress caused by the situation.
Clinic's Response and Privacy Concerns
In response to the allegations, a lawyer for IVF Life, Francis Pierce, raised privacy concerns regarding the genetic testing of other patients' children. He stated that patients would need to consent to such testing, complicating the clinic's ability to comply with the couple's demands. The clinic previously issued a statement indicating that it is "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 couple.
An emergency court hearing was held where Judge Margaret Schreiber noted the complexity of the case, highlighting the lack of legal precedent in Florida for resolving embryo mix-up disputes. The judge ordered the clinic to submit a detailed plan addressing the situation.
Emotional and Ethical Implications
The couple's situation raises significant ethical questions about the responsibilities of fertility clinics in managing and safeguarding embryos. As they navigate this challenging scenario, Score and Mills are focused on ensuring that their daughter remains in their care while also seeking answers about her genetic origins. The lawsuit underscores the emotional turmoil faced by families involved in assisted reproductive technologies when errors occur, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the field of fertility treatment.
