Madonna Makes Plea for Adopted Daughter

In a new interview, Madonna makes a plea to to adopt three-year-old Mercy James from Malawi.

"I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible," the singer e-mailed the country's Nation newspaper in response to its questions. "And it's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country."

Do you think Madonna ought to be allowed to adopt again?

She added:

"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."

A judge turned down the Madonna's adoption application because she didn't meet the country's requirement that a prospective parent resides in Malawi for at least 18 months.

Madonna adopted David Banda, pictured, from Malawi in 2006. She received flak from human rights organizations at the time, as they accused her of using fame to get around local laws.