Halle Berry is speaking out against California Governor Gavin Newsom after he vetoed a bill aimed at improving menopause care for the second year in a row.
The actress called the decision unacceptable and said it shows that women in midlife are being ignored. She also questioned whether Newsom should be considered for a higher office because of it.
“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,” Berry said during a speech at The New York Times DealBook Summit. “But that’s OK, because he’s not going to be governor forever.”
Berry continued, “And with the way he’s overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either.”
WOW: Actress Halle Berry STUNNED the crowd at Wednesday’s New York Times DealBook Summit by NUKING California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“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… pic.twitter.com/Y3vC1oJhlT
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) December 4, 2025
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The legislation, known as the Menopause Care Equity Act, was pushed through the California Legislature in 2024 and 2025. It would require health insurance plans to cover evaluation and treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, something the healthcare system has ignored for decades despite the massive number of women affected.
Despite the clear need, Newsom vetoed the bill in October, marking his second rejection after blocking a similar measure in 2024. He claimed he supported the “goal” of improving care but dismissed the legislation as “too far-reaching,” warning it could raise healthcare costs.
Immediately after Berry’s speech, Newsom appeared onstage with host Andrew Ross Sorkin for a Q&A. During the discussion, he did not address Berry’s remarks. A spokesperson later said the governor “deeply admires Halle’s advocacy” and looks forward to working with her on this “critical issue,” noting he shares her goal of expanding access to menopause care.
Halle Berry sharply criticized the veto in an October 2025 Time op-ed, calling it a clear failure of leadership. She co-wrote the piece with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and menopause researcher Dr. Pauline Maki. Berry said it was “enraging” that California women were forced to “keep waiting” despite being “on the precipice of progress.”
Berry has been a long-time advocate for women’s health. In 2020, she founded Respin, an organization focused on increasing research and public awareness about menopause. She has also supported both state and federal programs aimed at improving healthcare access for aging women.
Newsom’s repeated vetoes come as he gains national attention for his opposition to President Donald Trump. He is considered a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election, although he has not officially announced his campaign.
Featured image via X screengrab
