Florida Couple Sues Fertility Clinic Over Alleged Embryo Mix-Up

Lawsuit claims clinic implanted another patient's embryo, leading to birth of 'non-Caucasian child' not biologically theirs

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:47am

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A Florida couple, Tiffany Score and Steven Mills, have filed a lawsuit against Orlando fertility clinic IVF Life, Inc. and its lead doctor, Dr. Milton McNichol, alleging an embryo mix-up that resulted in the birth of a child who is not biologically theirs. The couple claims the clinic implanted another patient's embryo in Score's uterus in April 2025, leading to the birth of a 'non-Caucasian child' in December 2025. Genetic testing confirmed the baby has 'no genetic relationship' to either parent.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can arise from errors in fertility clinics, where the stakes are incredibly high for parents seeking to have children. The alleged mix-up has left the couple in a difficult situation, torn between their emotional bond with the child and their belief that the child should be united with her genetic parents.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Score and Mills stored three viable embryos at the IVF Life clinic in 2020 for in vitro fertilization. In April 2025, an embryo was implanted in Score's uterus, leading to the birth of a 'beautiful, healthy female child' on Dec. 11, 2025. However, the couple immediately noticed the child 'displayed the physical appearance of a racially non-Caucasian child,' despite both parents being Caucasian. Genetic testing later confirmed the baby had 'no genetic relationship' to either parent.

  • In 2020, Score and Mills stored three viable embryos at the IVF Life clinic.
  • In April 2025, an embryo was implanted in Score's uterus.
  • On Dec. 11, 2025, the couple gave birth to a 'beautiful, healthy female child'.

The players

Tiffany Score

One half of the Florida couple who filed the lawsuit against the fertility clinic.

Steven Mills

One half of the Florida couple who filed the lawsuit against the fertility clinic.

IVF Life, Inc.

The Orlando fertility clinic that the couple is suing over the alleged embryo mix-up.

Dr. Milton McNichol

The head reproductive endocrinologist at IVF Life, Inc. who is named in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“They would willingly keep her in their care; however, for the sake of both Baby Doe and her genetic parents, they recognize that Baby Doe should legally and morally be united with her genetic parents.”

— John Scarola, Attorney for Tiffany Score and Steven Mills (Law & Crime)

What’s next

The lawsuit is seeking emergency court action to force the clinic to alert all affected patients, pay for widespread genetic testing, and disclose whether other families may have been impacted by the embryo mix-up.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of strict protocols and quality control measures in fertility clinics to prevent devastating errors that can upend the lives of hopeful parents. It also raises complex legal and ethical questions about the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved when an embryo mix-up occurs.