A court in Malawi has denied Madonna's adoption bid for toddler Mercy James, apparently "over residency rules". It is required that prospective adoptive parents be resident in the Malawi for 18 to 24 months, though this was waived when Madonna adopted David Banda in 2006.
Madonna arrived in Africa last Sunday to begin the process and apply for the adoption of Chifundo, which is translated as Mercy. James Judge Esmie Chondo said, "I must have to decline to grant the application to Madonna."
Released court papers say that Madonna stated she was "able and willing to securely provide for Chifundo James and make her a permanent and established member of my family. To deny Chifundo James the opportunity to be adopted by me could expose her to hardship and emotional trauma which is otherwise avoidable."
Madonna may appeal this decision, and we'll keep you updated on any further news. What do you think about this latest turn of events?
Francesco Biasia
Kenneth Jay Lane
5 Comments
Post a CommentHmmm, tricky.
What we should keep in mind is adoption is all about giving a child a loving family and opportunities he/she might not otherwise have in life, and helping children must be the only thing that matters. Denying an adoption means this child will not be offered that probably better life.
This being said, I'm extremely uncomfortable with this new 'trend' (thanks Angelina?) of wealthy celebrities adopting kids from poor, exotic countries as if they were picking yet another designer bag, and of course making the whole process very public.
Totally agree Advah!
Advah I agree as well. I feel horrible for feeling glad that the adoption wasnt allowed...but the whole thing just made me so uncomfortable/. There are so many ways that Madonna could help the THOUSANDS of children in Malawi, instead of swooping in and just helping one, u know?
Advah, you said it. I feel for that poor child. I see that they are making an example of Madonna, but denying this kid a better life is really sad.
Phew thanks guys, I thought I was going to get hit on the head for that!
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