 The convention was ratified by twenty five countries of the Americas (two countries later denounced the convention leading the current number of ratifiers to be twenty three ) in 1973–1993.Mexico ratified the convention with the reservation that the expression "in general" concerning the fetal right to life does not constitute an obligation and that this matter falls within the domain of the states.While the convention may be interpreted to permit domestic abortion laws in exceptional circumstances, it effectively declares the fetus a person.