Halle Berry criticizes Gavin Newsom for undermining women's health at live event

At a recent live event, Halle Berry expressed strong criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, arguing that his actions undermine women's health and questioning his suitability for the U.S. presidency. Speaking at The New York Times DealBook Summit on Thursday, Dec. 4, the Oscar-winning actress highlighted Newsom's veto of Assembly Bill 432, known as the Menopause Care Equity Act, which he had also blocked the previous year.

"In California, my own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause legislation two years in a row," Berry stated before Newsom's appearance at the summit in New York City.

The 59-year-old actress had previously advocated for the bill, which aimed to simplify access to medical treatments addressing menopause symptoms. On Oct. 13, Newsom, 58, explained that he vetoed the measure because he believed its insurance coverage provisions were "too broad," according to Politico.

Berry did not hold back her disapproval. "It's clear he wont be governor forever, and by neglecting the health needs of women in midlife, he probably shouldnt be our next president either," she said. She encouraged everyone, regardless of gender, to support older women and stay engaged with these issues, stating, "We need to ask questions, stay curious, and have these conversations even when they feel uncomfortable."

Newsom's office responded to Berry's remarks with a statement emphasizing the governor's respect for her advocacy while defending his veto. "He shares Ms. Berrys goal of expanding access to menopause care, but the bill as written could have inadvertently increased healthcare costs for millions of women," the statement read. The office added that they are committed to finding ways to improve access to menopause treatments without raising costs.

Governor Newsom has been in office since January 2019 and previously served as lieutenant governor and mayor of San Francisco. He has not yet decided whether he will run for president in 2028, stating in an October interview that he is giving it serious consideration but will wait until after the 2026 midterm elections to make a decision.

Analysis: Governor Gavin Newsom's Controversial Veto and the Debate on Women's Health

The recent public criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom by actress Halle Berry has put a spotlight on the ongoing debate over women's health, particularly in the context of menopause care. Berry's strong remarks about Newsom’s veto of the Menopause Care Equity Act, a bill designed to improve access to menopause treatments, have raised important questions regarding the governor's policies and his potential future political aspirations.

Newsom’s veto of Assembly Bill 432 not once, but twice, has sparked public outrage. The governor's justification for vetoing the bill was based on concerns over the bill's potential to increase healthcare costs. While Newsom's office has emphasized his commitment to expanding access to menopause care, his decision to block the legislation has left many, including Berry, questioning his leadership on issues affecting women's health.

It’s also worth considering how this incident may influence Newsom’s political future, especially as he contemplates a presidential run in 2028. As Berry pointed out, his handling of this issue may signal his broader approach to healthcare reform, which could affect his appeal to voters concerned with women’s rights and healthcare equity. With significant attention now on this issue, Newsom's ability to navigate such controversies could play a crucial role in shaping his political trajectory.

The criticism from a high-profile public figure like Halle Berry highlights the growing influence of activists and celebrities in shaping political discourse. While the governor's office has defended his veto, it remains clear that this issue is far from settled. As the debate continues, both Newsom and Berry’s calls for greater attention to menopause care will likely remain key talking points in the broader conversation about healthcare and gender equality.

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• Halle Berry slams Gavin Newsom for 'devaluing' women's health at live event