A couple who underwent an IVF treatment at a now-closed fertility clinic in Orlando, Florida, discovered that their daughter was not biologically related to them. Tiffany Score and Steven Mills filed a lawsuit against the clinic and fertility doctor Milton McNichol for negligence. They later identified the biological parents of their child, named Shea, through DNA testing. Another couple who had also received treatment at the same clinic came forward and were confirmed to be Shea’s genetic parents.
Despite their strong emotional connection to Shea, Tiffany and Steven feel obligated to give the biological parents the opportunity to be involved in their daughter’s life. If the other family chooses not to take responsibility, Tiffany and Steven have pledged to continue raising Shea themselves. The closure of the Fertility Center of Orlando adds further complexity to the situation, as questions regarding the disposition of the couple’s embryos remain unresolved.
In a statement released through their legal representatives, Tiffany and Steven expressed the conclusion of one chapter in their journey but acknowledged that new issues need addressing. The clinic’s closure, amid legal and financial challenges, underscores the need for clarity in resolving the errors that led to the mix-up.