The biological parents of a baby, who was mistakenly born to another couple due to an embryo mix-up in Florida, are grappling with a difficult situation. Their attorney, Rob Marcereau, described the last few months as devastating for his clients. The couple decided not to fight for custody of the child. “They are heartbroken over what has happened, and they also understand that the birth couple are also suffering,” Marcereau said.
The baby, named Shea, was born in December to Tiffany Score and Steven Mills. They had undergone in vitro fertilization at the Fertility Center of Orlando. After birth, testing showed that Shea was not genetically related to Score and Mills. This prompted them to sue the clinic, as their lawyer Mara Hatfield explained.
The discovery led to the identification of the biological parents through legal documentation as Patient 004. Their names remain confidential. A custody agreement allows Marcereau’s clients to stay involved in Shea’s life. Marcereau noted that they deeply care about the baby and would have preferred custody. However, the potential legal battle seemed against Shea’s best interests.
The biological parents made the decision after several emotional meetings with Score and Mills, which involved sharing many tears and hugs. Shea’s unexpected racial features prompted Score and Mills to seek genetic testing, revealing Shea’s 100% South Asian ancestry. Hatfield stated that Score and Mills aim to build a relationship of friendship and trust with Shea’s biological parents.
The clinic involved has closed and did not comment on the custody agreement. This case highlights issues with IVF regulation in the U.S., where oversight is lacking compared to other nations. Such embryo mix-ups are rare, affecting only a few cases nationwide.
Score and Mills’ lawsuit involves the fertility center and the lead reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Milton McNichol, who did not comment when contacted. Meanwhile, Shea’s biological parents plan to sue the clinic and the doctor. “They have been placed in such a difficult situation that no one should be placed in,” Marcereau said. “It’s inexcusable.”