The Spanish government approved last September the reform of the abortion law making 16 years the age when a woman is considered an adult and may decide to voluntarily abort her pregnancy, one of the aspects of the legislation that has sparked great controversy.

The new regulation allows freedom of abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy and up to the 22nd if the woman's life or health is at risk, or if the foetus presents a serious deformation.

At the start of the demonstration on Saturday, the president of Family Forum, Benigno Blanco said that joining in the march implied a commitment to defending maternity and human life.

In order to take part in the march called by more than 40 civil associations, citizens travelled from all over Spain to Madrid in all modes of transport, including some 600 buses rented in numerous Spanish cities.

While the organisers did not accept representations of political parties nor of religious groups, some priests and politicians did take part in the march through Madrid under the banner of "Every life is important".