Madonna is set to appeal the rejection of her adoption bid for four-year-old Malawian girl Mercy James. The rejection of her application was on the grounds that it might encourage human trafficking. The grandmother and other members of the girl’s extended family had been strongly opposed to the adoption and had accused the 50-year-old singer of trying to steal the child.
In the words of Judge Esmie Chondo:
Anyone could come to Malawi and quickly arrange for an adoption that might have grave consequences for the very children that the law seeks to protect.
I must confess that there is a gripping temptation to throw caution to the wind and grant an adoption in the hope that there will be a difference in the life of just one child. However, it should be borne in mind that inter-country adoptions are not the only solution.
Established adoption procedures were waived in 2006 in order to allow the singer to previously adopt David Banda, as prospective parents are supposed to reside in Malawi for an 18-24 month assessment period. [Telegraph]
