Madonna created controversy in 2006 when she adopted a boy from Malawi. The child, named David Banda, is not an orphan in the sense that he still has a father. But the child has spent most of his life in an orphanage in the southern African country. Contrary to Malawian law, which prohibits adoption by non-residents, Madonna was granted permission to adopt the child.

There always to sides to a story. In this one, there is the obvious benefit and privileges the child will experience as an adopted child with Madonna, one of the richest and most able persons in the world to provide him with a better life. But there is also the long-term effect of this kind of adoption. A child picked up by a celebrity from a third-world country will automatically be put in the media spotlight. Regardless of the motive of the adopting person, the move will generate publicity for that celebrity. Many people also argue that it is not in the best interests of the child in most cases of international adoption. An industry concerned with profit and not the welfare of orphans has developed because of the growth of international adoptions. “Abuses include the sale and abduction of children, coercion of parents, and bribery, as well as trafficking to individuals whose intentions are to exploit rather than care for children,” UNICEF said. Some parents even give up their children in the belief that they will have a “better life in the west”.

In my opinion, international adoption is not the only way to help orphans in impoverished countries. It may also not be the best way. A person can donate and support foundations that will keep the children in their home countries, which will ensure that they grow up and contribute more to their society. We can give these children a chance to give back to their community if we help in providing them with education, health care and basic needs like clothing, food and shelter. Of course, there will be cases where international adoption MAY be in the best interests of the children. So this issue is really two-sided. One just has to think of the long term interest of the child in question. What is best for the child should always be paramount and considered carefully.