Madonna’s Malawi Adoption Approved: Cost $19 million

For those of you who have tried to adopt a child in the United States, you know that it can cost thousands of dollars, an amount few can afford. But it’s chump change compared to Madonna’s adoption of Mercy James, a Malwaian girl. Madonna’s adoption was just approved by the Malawi government and how much does it cost to adopt a baby from a father crying outrage and a country that doesn’t want it to happen? A mere $19 million.

Sure the money will go to many needed charities in the African country, but the bigger pictures is that a super celebrity has circumvented the country’s adoption laws. Originally denied because she did not comply with the country’s adoptino laws, including one that said she needed to reside in the country for 18 months, but that’s easy to get around. When your blended family includes Lourdes, from former boyfriend/trainer Carlos Leon, Rocco with ex-husband guy Ritchie, and David Banda, born and adopted from Malawi its easy to get around a few laws when all it takes is dollars.

The little girl’s father, who placed his daughter in an orphanage because he cannot afford to care for her is devastated that Madonna is able to adopt his daughter and take her out of the country. Mercy’s dad, James Kambewa is quoted in newspapers saying, “I am devastated. I did not even know that the judges were making a ruling about Madonna adopting my child on that day…I feel betrayed by my countrymen who gave me a deaf ear because I am poor and Madonna is rich.” In a telephone interview following the court’s ruling in favour of Madonna, Kabewa said he was disappointed and angry. “This is my child and somebody should have listened to me. I want Madonna to give me my child.”

Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo said in his ruling that he praised the Madonna’s commitment to helping disadvantaged children and slammed “old laws” that prevented first adoption attempts. “The matter of residence should be determined at the time of application of the adoption,” Chief Justice Munlo said. “In this case, Madonna was in Malawi not by chance but by intention. She is looking after several orphans whose welfare depends on her. She can therefore not be described as a sojourner.” He later added: “Every child has the right to love.”

Sources at the High Court say that Mercy could be with Madonna as early as next week. Her passport is being prepared nad its possible she could be in London, New York or anywhere else Madonna wants by the week’s end. Mercy is currently being transferred to the Kumbali lodge, which is where Madonna resides while staying in Malawi.

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