Tens of thousands demonstrate in Spain against abortion

Madrid - Tens of thousands of Spaniards demonstrated on the streets of the capital Madrid Saturday, against a planned relaxation of the country's strict laws on abortion. Some 40 organizations with the support of the Catholic Church and the opposition People's Party organized the demonstration under the slogan "Every life matters."

Protesters were bussed to the capital from all over the mostly- Catholic country.

The demonstration came in the face of Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's plans to allow abortions on demand.

Under Zapatero's draft law, currently before parliament, abortions carried out before the end of the 14th week of pregnancy would be available upon request.

At present abortions are only available in Spain under strict circumstances, such as in rape cases and where signs of foetal abnormality are present.

The law would also allow girls aged over 16 to have an abortion without their parents' knowledge.

The law is likely to pass with the support of Zapatero's Socialist Party, who have the majority.

The People's Party have said they plan an appeal to the constitutional court.