The case of the controversial attempted adoption of a Malawian baby boy by American pop singer Madonna has come to a close. It is safe to say that the story’s last page as been turned at least. One could say that this issue probably is not over yet. On Wednesday, May 28, the Malawian court issued a ruling in Madonna’s favor.
It ruled that Madonna can adopt baby David Banda from the orphanage in Malawi. The ruling should already been made to the public by now. Malawi is one of the areas in Africa that struggles with the AIDS epidemic.
Also, the ruling might be the precursor towards reforms in international adoptions. The current laws do not allow non-residents to adopt children. In Madonna’s case, she was given a waver. The controversy stems from Madonna’s celebrity status as a means to get the waiver granted.
So far, it seems that many are happy with the ruling. Madonna is happy with the ruling, it seems the government is happy with the ruling, and Malawi’s Human Rights Commission is happy with the ruling. It would seem that Banda is also happy with the ruling.
Banda is now living in London.