Madonna describes her struggle to adopt daughter Mercy from Malawi

Madonna shared new insight on the challenges she faced adopting daughter Mercy James from Malawi as she opened a new pediatric surgery and intensive care center in the African country Tuesday.

The hospital, which she named after Mercy, is the first of its kind in Malawi.

Madonna said the judge on her case would not allow her to adopt Mercy because she was divorced, according to People.

'She informed me, as a divorced woman, that I was not fit to raise children and that Mercy was better off growing up in an orphanage,' she told the audience.

But that didn't stop her from fighting for then four-year-old Mercy, who is now 11.

'I am a rebel heart. But I am also a compassionate and intelligent human being,' Madonna said. 'And if you cannot give me a logical reason for the word 'no,' then I will not accept the word 'no.''

Mercy James also gave brief remarks.

'It is a great honor to know this hospital is named after me,' she said, according to CNN. 'But what's more important is that we may help many kids and save many lives.'

From USA Today

So. Proud of Mercy James! 😂🎉💘🙌🏻🌍🙏🏻. She gave a. Beautiful Speech!! 🗣💘🗣💘🗣💘🗣💘🗣🌍🌍🌍🌍🇲🇼@RaisingMalawi pic.twitter.com/u1G9dd7vyq

— Madonna (@Madonna) 13 July 2017