At the recent New York Times DealBook Summit in Lincoln Center, Halle Berry intensified the Halle Berry menopause bill controversy by openly criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s repeated vetoes of menopause care legislation. The Academy Award-winning actress and well-known health advocate argued that Newsom’s actions show disregard for women’s health and questioned his fitness for higher office as he eyes a possible 2028 presidential bid.
Berry addressed her remarks to an audience that included both business leaders and policymakers, highlighting her frustration with the political roadblocks facing the Menopause Care Equity Act. This proposed law sought to increase insurance coverage for menopause treatments and require medical professionals to receive specialized training.
Berry’s Vocal Advocacy and the Menopause Bill Details
Known for her outspokenness, Berry did not hold back when sharing her feelings about the California governor’s decision. She began with a candid declaration, signaling her readiness to address contentious issues:
“At this stage in my life, I have zero f–ks left to give,”
— Halle Berry, Health Advocate and Actress
The actress, who founded the wellness platform Respin, has become a prominent supporter for women’s health matters. During her remarks, she linked Newsom’s policy choices to the representation of women in leadership and politics. Newsom’s refusal to sign the menopause bill for a second consecutive year prompted Berry to issue a direct and personal critique:
“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,”
— Halle Berry, Health Advocate and Actress
“But that’s OK, because he’s not going to be governor forever, and the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us, he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”
— Halle Berry, Health Advocate and Actress
The proposed Menopause Care Equity Act intended to bridge gaps in treatment by mandating insurance providers to cover menopause-related therapies and ensure medical professionals understand the specific needs of midlife women. Berry’s statements underscored that she sees these vetoes as harmful not just for health, but for broader cultural attitudes towards older women.
Berry’s critique resounded all the more given its timing. Her remarks came just before Governor Newsom’s scheduled appearance at the summit, prompting reactions throughout the audience and intensifying scrutiny of Newsom’s decisions. Berry expanded her challenge to societal views on aging, particularly in the entertainment industry and workplaces.
“In 2025 I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,”
— Halle Berry, Health Advocate and Actress
“Our culture thinks that, at 59 years old, I am past my prime, and that women my age start to become invisible in Hollywood, in the workplace, on social media.”
— Halle Berry, Health Advocate and Actress
Governor Newsom’s Response and the Broader Policy Debate
Following Berry’s statements, Governor Newsom’s office issued a public response through his spokesperson, Izzy Gardon. The response sought to clarify the reasoning behind the repeated vetoes of the menopause bill, focusing primarily on economic concerns.
“The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue,”
— Izzy Gardon, Spokesperson for Governor Newsom
“He vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women already stretched thin — something he’s determined to avoid.”
— Izzy Gardon, Spokesperson for Governor Newsom
This explanation emphasized a commitment to affordable health care by arguing that the measure’s costs could negatively affect those the law aimed to help. Newsom’s stance positions fiscal stewardship in opposition to demands for expanded health care access, fueling broader debate over how government should balance rising costs with equity in women’s health services.
Implications for Women’s Health and Political Leadership
Berry’s direct challenge to a sitting governor at a high-profile gathering drew the attention of Democrats and other potential candidates for national office. Newsom’s role as a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination means his record on women’s health will likely be scrutinized in the years ahead. Meanwhile, Berry’s advocacy could galvanize more public and legislative attention toward issues affecting women at midlife, not only in Hollywood but across workplaces in California and nationwide.
This conflict surfaces at a time when health care policy remains a key concern in American politics, and signals that future debates may increasingly focus on age, gender, and representation. Berry’s stance, reflected by her public statements and the attention they received at the DealBook Summit, highlights the tensions between fiscal management and comprehensive health reform for women. As this issue continues to draw media and public attention, the controversy may shape the agendas of both policymakers and candidates in upcoming election cycles.
