Spain crowds rally over abortion shift

MADRID — Tens of thousands of people took part in a demonstration in Madrid to protest the conservative government’s decision to scrap plans to restrict abortions.

The march Saturday took place under the slogan “Every Life Matters.” Some 500 buses carried people from all over the country to take part.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in September ditched a promise by his Popular Party to restrict abortion to only cases of rape or serious health risks, saying there was no consensus for change.

The proposal had stirred much opposition in Spain, where abortion is allowed without restrictions in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Demonstrators urged supporters to not vote for the Popular Party in elections next year if the government doesn’t change the current law.