THOUSANDS of demonstrators turned out on the streets of Madrid yesterday to protest over new laws that make it easier for women to have abortions.

Carrying banners proclaiming ‘every life matters’, nearly 60,000 people voiced their disapproval about the legislation changes that now mean women can terminate a pregnancy without requiring medical grounds up to the 14th week.

The law reform has also lowered the age of consent from 18 to 16, meaning girls who fall into this age-group do not have to seek their parents’ permission to have an abortion.

“Children yes, abortion no;” “Live and let live,” and “life is important,” were some of the chants from the crowd, who carried balloons and flags in the colours of the Spanish flag.

They also called for the president, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, to resign.

Participants, who travelled to the capital from all over Spain, included religious groups and the right-wing Forum for the Family.