Attorneys Make Progress in Finding Genetic Parents for Central Florida IVF Mix-Up Baby

Couple's legal team says they are focused on testing one particular patient couple set to determine the baby's genetic parents.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Attorneys for the Central Florida couple at the center of an IVF mix-up case said they are making progress in finding the genetic parents for the baby girl. During a virtual status hearing, the couple's attorney Mara Hatfield stated that all parties agreed to expedite the testing of one particular couple. The clinic's attorney, Robert Terenzio, said they are still working to gather all the necessary information about the retrieval process to help determine if the couple has a viable genetic embryo at the clinic.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues that can arise from IVF mix-ups, which can have profound impacts on the lives of those involved. Determining the genetic parents is crucial to ensuring the child's wellbeing and establishing the appropriate legal and parental rights.

The details

The couple's baby girl was born in December through IVF at the Fertility Center of Orlando in Longwood. The couple's attorneys at Searcy Law have been working with the clinic and Dr. McNichol, who they said implanted the wrong embryo. The attorneys are still missing some information about the retrieval process, which will help them determine if the couple still has a viable genetic embryo at the clinic. If so, all parties agreed to transfer it to another clinic.

  • The next status hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at 2 p.m.
  • The legal battle began in January 2026.

The players

Mara Hatfield

The attorney representing the Central Florida couple at the center of the IVF mix-up case.

Robert Terenzio

The attorney representing the Fertility Center of Orlando, the clinic involved in the IVF mix-up.

Margaret H. Schreiber

The Orange County judge presiding over the status hearings in the IVF mix-up case.

Dr. McNichol

The doctor at the Fertility Center of Orlando who allegedly implanted the wrong embryo in the couple.

Searcy Law

The law firm representing the Central Florida couple in the IVF mix-up case.

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What they’re saying

“We have a general view of what happened, but my general view, however, has to be cross-referenced with all of the charts, and it's my expectation to have all of that material in front of the Judge, in front of you, by the next meeting.”

— Robert Terenzio, Attorney representing the Fertility Center of Orlando

“Right now, we're focused on one patient couple set. There is an at-risk group that has been contacted. Testing will fall through them if necessary after that and we'll continue testing based upon what the parties know about our plaintiffs after that, if necessary.”

— Mara Hatfield, Attorney representing the Central Florida couple

What’s next

The judge in the case will hold another status hearing on Wednesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. to further discuss the progress in determining the genetic parents of the baby.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical challenges that can arise from IVF mix-ups, underscoring the importance of strict protocols and oversight in fertility clinics to protect the wellbeing of all parties involved, especially the children.