This week the news broke that Madonna had adopted a one year old boy from Malawi, Africa. Several news sources wrote that the country of Malawi had waived its’ strict adoption requirements (including 2 years of residency on the part of the adoptive parents) in order for Madonna to adopt this child. Reportedly, Madonna plans to donate funds to relief efforts in the country, including building an orphanage where the children will be taught the teachings of Kabbalah.
The first article came out on October 4th. You can see it by clicking HERE
Later in the day, another news source printed a denial by Madonna’s representatives that an adoption is taking place. You can read this denial HERE.
On October 5th we again see an article saying that Madonna is planning to adopt a child from Malawi. Click HERE for this article.
I have been following a number of forums on this subject and the reaction of most people has been the shaking of heads. It is hard for adoptive parents who have gone through a very intensive screening process to understand how “The Material Girl” could be approved to adopt a child. Questions were raised at how much money might be talking in this situation and why the rules seem to often be bent for celebrities.
Whether or not the reports are true, it still raises some questions about adoptions and celebrities. I have posted before on my opinion that positive stories about celebrities adopting are good for the cause of adoption. However, not all stories are positive. Stories such as this one raise a great deal of concern. How often are celebrities allowed to bend the rules when they adopt? Should countries change their policies based on the celebrities who wish to adopt their children? Most pressing of all, is there anything we can do to force change on people to whom the law apparently doesn’t apply?