Halle Berry Believes Gavin Newsom Should Not Run for President Following Menopause Bill Veto

Speaking on Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Halle Berry shared her thoughts on the possibility of California Governor Gavin Newsom entering the presidential race. She criticized his approach to womens health issues, stating that by overlooking and undervaluing women in midlife, he has failed half of the population and, as a result, probably should not be the next president.

Berrys remarks came in response to Newsoms refusal to support the Menopause Care Equity Act as well as his earlier decision to veto a similar piece of legislation. The governor was also scheduled to appear at the summit that day.

During her speech, Berry emphasized how menopause and perimenopause deeply impact womens lives. She argued that if men suffered from a condition that interfered with sleep, cognitive function, and their sex lives, it would be treated as a major public health emergency. According to her, the silent struggle many women endure during this stage affects not only individuals but entire families, workplaces, and the economy.

Berry noted that a significant number of women leave their jobs due to severe menopausal symptoms, which has consequences far beyond personal health. She called on women across the country to join her in demanding better awareness and care for these issues. At the same time, she stressed that real progress requires the participation of men and leaders in positions of power, urging them to stay engaged, ask difficult questions, and support the cause even when the topic feels uncomfortable.

After declining to sign the bill in October, Newsom explained that he had vetoed a similar proposal the year before because he believed it would restrict health plans from managing care effectively while keeping unnecessary costs under control. He maintained that the new version of the bill was still too broad in its requirements and would go too far in terms of mandated coverage.

Berry, however, disputed the argument that the legislation would significantly drive up insurance premiums. She concluded her nearly 15-minute address with a blunt statement, making it clear that at this point in her life, she no longer feels the need to hold back her opinions.

Author's Opinion: Halle Berry's Stance on Gavin Newsom and Women's Health

At the New York Times DealBook Summit, Halle Berry made a striking statement regarding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s position on women's health, specifically menopause. By criticizing his veto of the Menopause Care Equity Act, Berry directly challenged Newsom's potential presidential candidacy. Her remarks were a pointed response to his approach to women's health issues, particularly his failure to support legislation aimed at improving care for women in midlife.

Berry’s critique was sharp: She argued that Newsom’s actions, which have largely ignored the health concerns of women experiencing menopause, reflect a failure to address a significant portion of the population. According to Berry, this oversight disqualifies him from leading the nation, especially considering how menopause affects women's health, their families, and the economy at large.

The actress highlighted the serious repercussions of menopause symptoms, which can disrupt sleep, cognition, and personal relationships. In her opinion, if men faced similar health challenges, the issue would be treated with far more urgency. Berry’s call for action is not just about passing legislation—it is about a broader cultural shift that prioritizes women’s health needs and engages both men and those in power in finding solutions.

Berry’s speech was a call to arms for women across the country to advocate for better care and greater awareness. Her message was clear: Without sustained support from male leaders and allies, any meaningful change will be difficult to achieve. As she pointed out, real progress requires participation from everyone, even when the issues at hand are uncomfortable to discuss.

In her concluding remarks, Berry emphasized the importance of speaking up and no longer holding back, reflecting a personal commitment to using her platform for advocacy. Whether Newsom’s stance on these issues will change in the future remains to be seen, but Berry’s comments have certainly sparked an important conversation on the treatment of women’s health issues in public policy.

Sources:

• Halle Berry Says Gavin Newsom ‘Probably Should Not Be the Next President’ After Menopause Bill Veto