haarlemsdagbladMay 17, 2026, 05:00

Occupation of the Bloemenhove Clinic was half a century ago, but abortion is still a struggle: ‘I see the choice to become pregnant and not to be as two sides of the same coin’

Sanne Thierens has published a book titled "De Bezetting" to mark the 50th anniversary of the activist occupation of the Bloemenhove clinic in Heemstede. The book details the historical struggle for reproductive rights that occurred before the introduction of current abortion legislation in the Netherlands.

Politics Culture Health Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Concerns over ending emergency care in Hoofddorp? Information evening draws few visitors

The Spaarne Gasthuis hospital plans to centralize 24-hour emergency care in Haarlem-Zuid by 2033, effectively closing the emergency department in Hoofddorp. Despite significant public and political backlash regarding travel times, a recent information evening in Hoofddorp drew very few attendees.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

Museum of the Mind in Haarlem raises 11,500 euros for mental health

The Museum van de Geest in Haarlem raised 11,500 euros during its Walk & Talk charity event to support youth mental health awareness. The proceeds will fund educational projects aimed at helping young people address issues such as stress, depression, and burnout.