Full Breakdown
Florida Couple Secures Custody of IVF Baby After Embryo Mix-Up
6/17/2026, 2:13:57 AM
Embryo Mix-Up and Custody Settlement
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills underwent in-vitro fertilization at the Fertility Center of Orlando in Longwood, Florida. After delivering their daughter, Shea, in December, the couple ordered genetic testing because the infant’s appearance differed from theirs. Tests showed Shea is 100 % South Asian and shares no DNA with Score or Mills. The couple sued the clinic and its lead reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Milton McNichol, in January. In April, court filings identified the biological parents—referred to as Patient 004—while keeping their identities confidential. A June filing recorded a mutually devised custody agreement naming Score and Mills as Shea’s permanent custodial parents. Circuit Court Judge Margaret Schreiber praised the resolution, noting the child’s young age.
Context and Industry Oversight
Embryo mix-ups are exceedingly rare, with only a handful of documented U.S. cases. The incident has intensified scrutiny of IVF practices, which experts say lack comprehensive oversight compared with peer nations. The Fertility Center of Orlando announced its closure in spring 2024, and a new IVF network opened in the same location.
Timeline of the Case
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Schreiber expressed relief that the parties reached an agreement while Shea remains young. Attorney Mara Hatfield’s filing emphasized the couple’s “permanent custodial” rights. The couple’s counsel reiterated a commitment to protect the biological parents’ privacy and to maintain a “relationship of friendship and trust.” Neither the clinic nor Dr. McNichol issued a public response.
Criticism of IVF Regulation
Industry observers cite the case as evidence that U.S. IVF clinics lack standardized safeguards for embryo tracking and verification, urging stronger regulatory frameworks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m glad the parties have reached an agreement while this child is relatively young,” — Judge Margaret Schreiber, Circuit Court Judge
- “should be, but is not, the genetic child” — Judge Margaret Schreiber, Circuit Court Judge (court filing)
- “intensely strong emotional bond” — Tiffany Score, mother
- “with whom they have begun and intend to continue to foster a relationship of friendship and trust.” — Mara Hatfield, attorney for Score and Mills
Implications and Next Steps
The settlement underscores gaps in IVF procedural safeguards noted by experts. The clinic’s closure leaves pending the genetic analysis of a frozen embryo that the couple claims as theirs. Score and Mills have indicated they will continue to engage with the biological parents, suggesting a collaborative model for future reproductive-error cases.
