Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated in Washington against President Barack Obama's plans to reform health care in the United States.

The protesters say the reforms would lead to economic decline, high costs for the tax payer and too much state influence. Mr Obama wants to end the present situation where 47 million Americans are without health insurance. He argues that the US cannot afford not to implement his plans.

Many Republicans, but also some members of the president's own Democratic Party, are fiercely opposed to his health care plans. Last week, the president addressed Congress in an attempt to break the impasse on the issue.

photo: flickr/thinkpanama