Hi,

I congratulate Angelia on her adoption and wish her the best. I was wondering about the possibility of the child having Aids. When does a person know for sure if a baby is HIV free if the biological mother had Aids. I think it is at about 12 months and depends on three tests done on the babies own DNA. Does anyone have any information on this information on this?

She is such a caring person, I think it is wonderful news that she is adopting a little girl. I love her name, Zahara, it is so pretty.

congats on the new baby girl. More respect to her. The baby girl is AIDS free(E! wedsite).

With regard to adoption- it is absolutely wonderful and of course we should be loving and respectful of those who choose to adopt.

However, every family comes to adoption and chooses how they will adopt based on their own family. I don’t think it’s every appropriate to criticize families for their adoption choices, such as whether or not they adopted domestically or internationally. We do not know individual families’ circumstances and so I do not think we should pass judgment on them.

International adoption expenses go to pay for legal fees (because lawyers and government workers, while I’m sure they love connecting families, must also support their families) and in the case of China at least, the families are required to donate to the orphanage of the child’s origin, to help with the kids left behind. Each country handles adoption differently.

In the US, it’s true. Many couples do want a white baby. However, adoption here can also be free, if it costs less than the $10K tax credit. Sadly, children of color are over represented in the pool of adoptable children. I still don’t think it’s right to criticize a family for their adoption choice.

To reiterate, I don’t think anyone should be forced to adopt when they aren’t ready yet. Infertile individuals/ couples shouldn’t be told to adopt, ever! They can reach that decision on their own. It shouldn’t just be intfertile people who should adopt- why can’t those who already have biological children also adopt if we are going to be so adamant about people adopting.

As to why families in other countries aren’t adopting available children, we don’t know them and we don’t know their reasons for not adopting. It’s rude to make assumptions about their morality. In many countries for example, people live in grave poverty and don’t have the resources to care for additional children.

I saw Angelina and Billy Bob’s divorce papers and Maddox’s name is listed as Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie.

to make a few comments.

I do not believe Angie is pregnant…didn’t she just come out and confirm that she wasn’t and the only reason the rumors were flying because she was seen out buying baby clothes which are probably for little Zahara?! She wants it also made clear she is adopting as a single parent. Her and Brad probably have something going on and Brad’s been very into being a good will ambassador himself maybe he had some say in Angelina’s adoption. Remember he always said he wanted 7 little girls one day! I actually didn’t expect Ang to adopt a girl. I thought for sure she’d get another son but I am glad to see that she plans on adopting all races from all kinds of countries. I wish her the best of luck.

Secondly, Oprah I believe did say once that she was considering adopting at one point or another. I don’t know. Oprah would probably make a great mother and she’s so caring and giving but at the same time she isn’t a youngin anymore lol. And maybe she has decided not to be selfish by picking career vs. child. Maybe when she is finished with her show she’ll have more time to think about it.

btw I don’t think we’ll be seeing pics of the new baby anytime soon but I sure can’t wait to get a peek at her.

I just wanted to add that there is actually a less than 1% chance of an HIV-positive mother infecting her baby if she is specially treated during her pregnancy. If she is not treated then the chance is increased to something like 25% chance of infection. Having and HIV-positive mother does not mean the baby will automatically be HIV-positive. In fact, it’s quite unlikely if she is treated. HIV-positive women can have perfectly healthy babies. But it’s VERY important that they get treated during their pregnancy, as their is obviously a huge difference between a 1% chance and 25% chance.

Congrats to Angelina! I can’t wait to see pictures. I think it’s great that she’s continuing with adoption.

First of, I’d like to congratulate Ms. Jolie and Maddox on the arrival of Zahara, the newest member of their family! May God bless them mightily and watch over them always. (I wonder if she’ll be nicknamed Zara. I hope so – it’s so cute!)

In response to Michele, I have to wonder how many of the infertile couples she refers to are willing to accept children such as Ms. Jolie’s. While I’ve never been in this position myself, I’ve heard several infertile couples who have adopted say that one’s expectations have a lot to do with the length of wait time. I’m going out on a limb here, but perhaps the folks Michele speaks of might want to consider adopting from Cambodia, Ethiopia, etc. as Ms. Jolie has.

BTW I am totally flabbergasted why a person would feel “uncomfortable” with the idea of ANYONE adopting for ANY reason, whether one’s fertility is in question or not! Michele, do you have any clue whatsoever of how many children on this planet do without a loving home because they don’t meet an ideal, a certain “standard of perfection”?

Additionally, have you considered that if MORE people capable of conceiving chose instead to adopt a child already here (as Ms. Jolie has done), it would be a blessing not just to the child and the family, but to the entire planet? Overpopulation is a reality, Michele! This planet needs more people like Ms. Jolie – people who are concerned with providing a loving home to a child who desperately needs one, rather than worrying about passing on one’s DNA.

Ms. Jolie – and others like her – have my utmost respect.

All I see is Angelina adding to her already gorgeous family by adopting another precious soul (AIDS orphan or not).
Congratulations to Angelina and Maddox!!!