IVF Mix-Up: A Family's Journey

A Florida couple, Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, have identified the biological parents of their daughter, Shea, marking a significant development in their challenging IVF journey. The couple is now navigating complex legal and emotional considerations while reaffirming their love for Shea.

Discovery and Confirmation

Tiffany Score and Steven Mills reached a milestone after months of uncertainty following Shea’s birth in December 2025. Initial concerns arose due to the lack of physical resemblance between Shea and her intended parents. Genetic testing later confirmed that neither Tiffany nor Steven were Shea’s biological parents.

Protecting Privacy and New Questions

The couple publicly announced the identification of Shea’s biological parents on April 22nd, emphasizing their commitment to respecting their privacy. They have chosen to keep the biological parents’ identities confidential. This discovery, while a turning point, raises new questions about the fate of the couple’s own embryos created during the IVF process.

Concerns About Lost Embryos

The couple expressed deep concern that their embryos may have been mistakenly implanted in another family. This possibility continues to cause them significant distress.

Legal Battle and Clinic Closure

The couple initiated legal proceedings against the Fertility Centre of Orlando prior to publicly disclosing the situation. Court documents reveal that three viable embryos were created and stored during their treatment cycle. Ms. Score received an embryo in April 2025, and the pregnancy progressed normally until Shea’s birth on December 11th, 2025.

Unwavering Love and Moral Obligation

Despite the shocking revelation, Tiffany and Steven have consistently affirmed their unwavering love for Shea, committing to raising her as their own child. They also felt a strong moral obligation to locate her biological parents, a pursuit that has now been successfully completed.

Seeking Compensation

The couple’s lawyer has highlighted their emotional distress and the ongoing legal proceedings aimed at securing compensation for expenses and trauma. The Fertility Centre of Orlando has closed, with plans for a new facility to open.

IVF Errors and Safety Protocols

IVF errors, though rare, do occur. A 2018 US study estimated major errors at approximately one in every 2,000 cycles. Modern clinics employ protocols like barcode tracking and double-witnessing to minimize risks. However, human handling during the IVF process can still lead to errors.

Ethical Considerations

This case underscores the importance of robust quality control and transparent communication within the IVF industry. It also raises ethical questions about embryo handling and the rights of all parties involved in assisted reproductive technologies.

Continuing Legal Proceedings

The couple’s lawyer stated that legal proceedings will continue, focusing on resolving questions about their unaccounted-for embryos and seeking appropriate compensation. This situation highlights the potential vulnerabilities within IVF procedures and the profound emotional impact of such errors.