Rhianna Benson
A couple who welcomed a baby that isn't genetically theirs following an IVF mix-up have been granted permission to keep the child.
Tiffany Score and Steven Mills underwent IVF at the Fertility Centre of Orlando in Florida last year, producing and storing three viable embryos.
Their daughter, Shea, subsequently arrived in December 2025.
The couple, who are white, quickly realised, however, that Shea failed to resemble either of her parents and had a considerably darker skin tone than her mother and father.
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They underwent genetic testing, believing Shea 'displayed the physical appearance of a racially non-Caucasian child', and confirming that she didn't share any DNA with either parent. In fact, while suing the clinic and its lead reproductive endocrinologist over them implanting the wrong embryo, their attorney argued the baby was 100 per cent South Asian.
Though a heartbreaking battle for custody of their child briefly ensued in the weeks that followed after Score and Mills claimed they'd created an 'intensely strong emotional bond' with their baby, especially while the former had been pregnant.
Thankfully, it has since been confirmed that the pair have reached a 'mutually devised custody agreement' with Shea's 'genetic parents'.
According to court documents observed by PEOPLE, they've been allowed to keep their daughter, and their names are now recognised as Shea's 'permanent custodial parents'.
The lawyer for the child's biological parents says they 'intend to remain a part of this child’s life, while recognising the impossible situation that both families have been placed in, through no fault of their own'.
Circuit Court Judge Margaret Schreiber announced in court last week, as per the Orlando Sentinel: "I’m glad the parties have reached an agreement while this child is relatively young."
Shedding further light on the agreement, Score's sister, Alexa, provided an update this week on GoFundMe.
"The agreement came from a place of selfless love from all individuals, and I am so truly proud of everyone involved," she wrote. "Our family’s hearts are filled with relief and gratitude."
Alexa added, however, that the couple are still attempting to unravel the mistake that was made within the clinic, as well as the fate that befell their three viable embryos.
"That process involves ongoing legal coordination, medical consultations, genetic testing, and the transport and testing of their last remaining supposed embryo - a procedure that is both complex and costly, with no guarantee of the outcome," she continued.
"Your support has allowed them to continue seeking those answers while keeping their focus where it belongs: on loving and raising their sweet girl, Shea. Every act of kindness has helped carry them through one of the most difficult chapters of their lives."