Halle Berry Critiques Governor Newsom Over Menopause Bill Veto

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on December 3, 2023, for his veto of the Menopause Care Equity Act, questioning his suitability for a future presidential run. Berry’s comments came during her speech at the New York Times DealBook conference at Lincoln Center, where she highlighted the pressing issues facing women during midlife.

During her address, Berry expressed her frustration over Newsom’s decision to veto the menopause bill for two consecutive years. She stated, “Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one but two years in a row. But that’s okay, because he’s not going to be governor forever.” Her remarks underscored concerns about the lack of attention to women’s health issues, particularly during menopause.

Berry’s criticism aligns with growing public scrutiny of Newsom, who is considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. She pointed out that his actions could jeopardize his ambitions, stating, “With the way he’s overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either.” At the time of her speech, Newsom had not publicly responded to Berry’s comments.

### The Veto and Its Implications

The Menopause Care Equity Act, which received bipartisan support, aimed to improve healthcare access for women experiencing menopause by mandating comprehensive insurance coverage for related treatments. In his letter explaining the veto, Newsom expressed concerns that the bill would restrict health plans’ ability to provide appropriate care while potentially increasing unnecessary costs. He advocated for a “more tailored solution” instead.

Berry criticized this stance, arguing that the veto reflected a broader neglect of women’s health and emphasized the need for menopause training within medical education. In a previous column for Time, she described the veto as a “failure of Gov. Newsom’s commitment to women,” stressing the importance of addressing menopause in healthcare discussions.

### A Call to Action

In her speech, Berry urged both women and men to actively engage in conversations about menopause. “We need all of the leaders, every single one of you in this room, this fight needs you,” she said, encouraging attendees to “stay curious” and to care about topics that might feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. She highlighted the broad implications of menopause, noting that it affects tens of millions of women across the United States and impacts households, workplaces, and the economy.

Berry called for women to embrace their experiences and assert their needs, declaring, “Ladies, refuse to be diminished during one of the most important seasons of your life… because we simply deserve better. We are half the population.” Her impassioned remarks received applause from the audience, reflecting a growing momentum for addressing women’s health issues.

As an advocate for menopausal women, Berry founded Respin Health, a platform dedicated to providing education and resources. She shared her own challenges with misdiagnosis during perimenopause, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare practices in this area.

The Menopause Care Equity Act would have required ongoing education for physicians about menopause and tasked the California Medical Board with developing a menopause curriculum. By voicing her concerns, Berry has not only drawn attention to the issue at hand but has also illuminated the broader challenges women face in gaining equitable healthcare.

Berry’s outspoken criticism of Newsom may significantly impact public perception as he explores his options for the upcoming election. As discussions around women’s health continue to evolve, the attention brought by figures like Halle Berry could lead to renewed efforts for policy change and advocacy in this vital area.