Despite a Recent Ruling, Madonna Still Wants a Baby from Malawi

The media have covered, ad nauseam, the recent court case ruling that Madonna was not to be allowed to adopt a Malawian child. The aging pop star isn’t having it, it would seem, and is still looking to adopt a child from the southern Africa country. Madonna, as has been reported, lost an appeal against a high court decision that refused her attempt to adopt a four-year-old Malawian girl named Mercy James. Still, it appears that she is not finished with her fight.

Said Madonna, "I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible. And it’s my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country." Madonna then went on to say, "Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy, I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world."

At the heart of the issue, of course, is the criticism leveled at the government of Malawi after allowing Madonna to adopt 13-month-old David Banda in 2006. Critics accused the government of offering special treatment and ignoring local laws that preclude non-resident from adopting children. Nevertheless, Madonna’s attorney, Alan Chinula, has already appealed the decision that was handed down earlier this month, though there is not yet a scheduled date for the appeal hearing.