Halle Berry criticizes Gavin Newsom after expressing deep disappointment in his repeated vetoes of legislation aimed at improving medical care for menopausal women in California. The Academy Award-winning actress openly questioned the governor’s approach during a public event, signaling resistance to his possible presidential ambitions and igniting renewed debate over women’s health protections.
Berry Publicly Challenges Newsom’s Actions on Menopause Support
The controversy centers on Governor Gavin Newsom’s refusal to sign into law bills that would have expanded support for women experiencing menopause. Berry, who has become an outspoken advocate for women’s health issues, was especially critical following Newsom’s veto of bills put forth by Senators Patty Murray and Lisa Murkowski, which aimed to increase research and resources around menopause care. These actions have brought California’s standing on women’s health policies into question, particularly as Newsom contemplates a run for the White House in 2028.
Berry took her frustrations to the stage at the New York Times DealBook Summit, where she highlighted her concerns about Newsom’s record. She stated,
he probably should not be our next president either.
– Halle Berry, Actress. This pointed criticism marks a significant split between the actress and the state leader she previously praised for supporting women’s issues.
Governor’s Office Responds and Highlights Budget Concerns
In response to Berry’s remarks, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom defended his decisions, explaining that the veto would help avoid increasing healthcare costs for millions of working women. The statement included an acknowledgment of Berry’s advocacy efforts and a pledge to find common ground in expanding access to essential menopausal treatment resources. This response attempts to balance financial caution with recognition of the ongoing challenges women face during menopause.
Berry’s Advocacy Grows After Personal Health Experiences
Halle Berry has been candid about her own difficult journey into menopause, sharing how a lack of education on the subject left her unprepared for its impact on her life and wellbeing. This personal ordeal led her to found Respin Health, a company committed to raising awareness and improving support for women navigating midlife health changes. Berry’s activism intensified as she lobbied for systemic changes and urged for wider societal recognition of menopause as a significant health matter.
In an interview with Drew Barrymore earlier in the year, Berry revealed that a personal health crisis during menopause caused profound changes in her life, even affecting her intimate relationships. These revelations have contributed to her insistence that women deserve better access to information and care as they age. She underlined in her speech that the era when women merely “outlived men in poor health” must end, insisting on a higher standard for future generations.
What’s Ahead for Newsom, and the National Conversation
Gavin Newsom is currently serving his last term as California’s governor, with his expected exit in January 2027. As he weighs the option of seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2028 presidential election, scrutiny over his record on women’s health will likely intensify. Meanwhile, Halle Berry’s outspoken critique signals a broader demand for leaders prioritizing comprehensive support for women’s well-being, particularly on issues historically overlooked or dismissed in policy discussions. With advocates like Berry pressing for change, the debate over menopause care and women’s health policy appears set to be a prominent issue in upcoming political cycles.
