 The draft convention underwent public consultation in July 1994, adopted by the Committee of Ministers in November 1996, and finally opened for signature on 4 April 1997.Thirty-five countries have signed the Oviedo Convention since it was opened for signature in 1997; however, only 29 of these countries have also ratified the convention.This means that only 29 countries have implemented the principles of the instrument into their national law.