The American Bar Association (ABA) supports the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by the United States. The CRC, adopted in 1989, sets international standards for the care and treatment of children, addressing critical topics such as national identity, protection from international abduction, and the right to be heard in judicial proceedings. As of November 1, 1990, 55 nations had ratified the CRC, but the U.S. was not among them. The ABA recommends convening a working group to assist in identifying and clarifying any reservations that might be considered during the ratification process. The CRC is seen as a comprehensive statement of children's legal rights, building on previous declarations and instruments. Concerns about the CRC's language regarding "appropriate legal protection" before and after birth and the "inherent right to life" have been addressed, with legal scholars concluding that U.S. ratification would not impose new requirements on abortion policies. The ABA emphasizes the importance of U.S. ratification to lead and advocate for the Convention in the international community, and to assist in implementing its provisions through legislative measures.The American Bar Association (ABA) supports the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by the United States. The CRC, adopted in 1989, sets international standards for the care and treatment of children, addressing critical topics such as national identity, protection from international abduction, and the right to be heard in judicial proceedings. As of November 1, 1990, 55 nations had ratified the CRC, but the U.S. was not among them. The ABA recommends convening a working group to assist in identifying and clarifying any reservations that might be considered during the ratification process. The CRC is seen as a comprehensive statement of children's legal rights, building on previous declarations and instruments. Concerns about the CRC's language regarding "appropriate legal protection" before and after birth and the "inherent right to life" have been addressed, with legal scholars concluding that U.S. ratification would not impose new requirements on abortion policies. The ABA emphasizes the importance of U.S. ratification to lead and advocate for the Convention in the international community, and to assist in implementing its provisions through legislative measures.