Marta Velarde, president of the  Más Futuro association  and founder of the  Juan Pablo II Rescuers , is one of the most active and experienced voices in the pro-life movement in Spain. With decades of experience outside abortion clinics, supporting thousands of mothers and saving thousands of children, her testimony combines genuine connection with mothers in need with a profound conviction of faith.

On the eve of the  film forum  for  Unplanned , which tells the true story of Abby Johnson, we talked to her about the impact this screening may have on Spanish society, the meaning of her mission and the urgent call to defend life from conception.

Marta, thank you for welcoming us before the Unplanned film screening and discussion. The film tells the true story of Abby Johnson, who went from participating in more than 22,000 abortions to becoming a courageous pro-life advocate. What do you hope this screening will evoke in Spanish audiences, especially at a time when the throwaway culture continues to advance?

Consciences. People need to stop looking the other way. The trivialization of abortion in Spain is terrible. We are one of the countries with the highest abortion rates.

You are the president of Más Futuro and the founder of the John Paul II Rescuers, an apostolate that has accompanied thousands of mothers and saved thousands of children in Spanish abortion clinics by offering them comprehensive support without time limits. How did this specific mission of “rescuing” lives begin in your heart, and what spiritual fruits have you seen in these mothers who decide to persevere?

We started the Pro-Life movement—I prefer to say “in defense of the unborn”—with just six people, when I had just started university. Today, only two of us women remain in Spain from those early days, but our activism has multiplied and is now unstoppable. We knew they were going to legalize abortion even though 90% of Spaniards were against it, and for me, it was crucial to create something to defend them.

The spiritual fruits of Más Futuro are incredible: dozens of women have been baptized and confirmed, and hundreds of rescued babies have also been baptized. Because when a woman considers not giving birth to her child, it takes God to pull her out of that situation.

Just a few days ago, Pope Leo XIV, during his historic visit to Monaco, exclaimed to young people: “Proclaim the Gospel of life, hope, and love…” How do these words of the Holy Father resonate in the daily lives of the John Paul II Rescuers and Más Futuro?

Every word spoken by Pope Leo XIV in Monaco echoes the words of Saint John Paul II, our patron saint. And this is our reason to continue saving babies from abortion.

In Unplanned, we see how an ultrasound changed Abby Johnson’s heart. You, at the entrance to abortion clinics, accompany mothers who often already have the ultrasound in hand. What parallels do you find between the testimony in the film and the conversions you’ve witnessed on the sidewalk?

Abby Johnson worked at the largest abortion clinic in the US at the time, as did Dr. Bernard Nathanson, the father of the pro-life movement. Both of them changed after seeing what a 12-week-old fetus looked like. In abortion clinics, when they show the ultrasounds (which is rare and only if the woman insists), you can barely see anything. If they need it, we do another one right then and there, and they see what their child looks like. That’s when they realize the evil of abortion.

The Pope insisted that “it is mercy that saves the world” and that “the culture of mercy rejects the throwaway culture.” How does Más Futuro translate this teaching into concrete actions?

When we speak to a woman at the abortion clinic, she gives us her phone number and tells us about her life: her children, her partner, her job… it’s incredible! Then we see what she needs. Every woman is different. The key to success is going one by one, personalizing the care. We cover all material needs without time limits. At Más Futuro, there are no employees, only volunteers. No one gets paid. But we receive a lot from God.

What message would you give to lay Catholics who are unsure whether they can do anything about the legalization of abortion?

Everyone is needed. Everyone. There’s always plenty of work to be done, and you have to seek it out and dedicate yourself to it. Helping without expecting anything in return is wonderful.

Many mothers face family, economic, and social pressures. What are the main obstacles that women at risk of abortion encounter today?

State pressure for the poor, immigrants, women with young children to have abortions… Social services, family doctors or midwives offer and facilitate free abortion instead of real help for the unborn child.

This film forum is  a benefit for the renovation of El Pinarillo , a center for human and spiritual development. Why is it so important to provide a well-rounded education for young people and families?

Offering spiritual support is the best thing you can give someone. It’s the assurance that they’re doing things right, as God intends.

If a mother who is considering abortion saw this interview, what would you tell her?

You can change everything in your life, but who can bring your child back? One child doesn’t replace another. Close your eyes and look at your child. Let us help you; we’re happy to.

Finally, what specific invitation do you extend to everyone attending the film forum on April 17th?

Peace is built on values. Take action! You are essential. What you don’t do now… no one else will, and nothing will get done.