LONGWOOD, Fla. – After a Florida mother gave birth to a baby that wasn’t actually hers, the IVF clinic she said was responsible is now closing up shop.
That clinic — Fertility Center of Orlando — announced on Monday that it is closing operations, with patients being encouraged to transition their care to CNY Fertility instead.
While the clinic didn’t elaborate on why its closing, the clinic itself has been the subject of several lawsuits over the past few months.
Back in January, for example, a couple came forward with a lawsuit claiming that the mother had given birth to a baby girl who shared neither of their genetic material.
[BELOW: Brevard woman wins $14M lawsuit after eating ice cream contaminated with nails]
Per the lawsuit, this meant that she’d been implanted with an embryo that belonged to someone else.
And again this month, a lawsuit was filed by a surrogate mother after she gave birth to a child suffering from thanatophoric dysplasia — a severe genetic anomaly that impacts the unborn baby’s bones and lungs.
The baby died around 10 days after birth, and the surrogate mother argued that the clinic should have been aware of the increased risks and psychological pressures that come with carrying a fetus with birth defects.
[BELOW: Longwood clinic in hot water after ‘genetic anomaly’ baby dies]
The full statement on the Fertility Center of Orlando’s website reads as follows:
“After thoughtful consideration, Fertility Center of Orlando will be closing its operations.
Patients are welcomed and encouraged to transition their care to CNY Fertility. CNY Fertility is committed to supporting your continuity of care. You will continue to see many of the same trusted and familiar faces who have been part of your care team, along with additional team members committed to supporting you on your journey.
In accordance with Florida law, including Fla. Stat. § 456.057 and § 395.3025, you have the right to access and obtain copies of your medical records or have them transferred to a provider of your choice. To facilitate continuity of care, we encourage you to complete a records release form to transfer your records to CNY Fertility or another provider.
If you have cryopreserved reproductive specimens in storage, you may elect to transfer them to CNY Fertility or to another licensed facility of your choosing. Please contact our office for coordination of these arrangements. Written authorization is required for any transfer of records or specimens. Please note that arrangements for the transfer of all cryopreserved specimens must be completed no later than April 15, 2026.
Medical records will be retained and maintained in accordance with applicable Florida laws and regulations to ensure confidentiality and accessibility.
We understand that fertility care is deeply personal, and we are committed to supporting you during this transition. If you wish to transfer your care, please text “ROI” to 407-345-9006 or contact our office at the same number for assistance.
We are grateful for the trust you have placed in Fertility Center of Orlando and are honored to have been part of your journey."
Fertility Center of Orlando
Attorney Andrew Rader, who recently filed a lawsuit against the Fertility Center of Orlando on behalf of a former surrogate, said the sudden closure raises concerns for patients and families.
“I don’t know what’s going on with that precious material, but I’m scared,” Rader said. “I’m scared for them, I’m scared for my clients. I’m scared for the intended parents.”
Rader also questioned the timeline and communication surrounding the deadline.
“There was really very little information about what they should do, what’s expected,” he said. “What happens if they don’t elect anything because they are on vacation by April 15?”
Rader said the situation highlights broader concerns about how embryos are handled.
“There’s nothing you can do to be really sure that your precious little embryos are being handled appropriately,” he said.
Attempts to contact the clinic at its Orlando location were unsuccessful. The facility appeared closed, and calls and emails seeking clarification about what happens if patients miss the April 15 deadline were not returned.
“It seems to be a change in name only, maybe in ownership only,” he said. “But it’s very possible the same practices will be employed.”
As of now, the Fertility Center of Orlando has not responded to requests for comment.