Halle Berry Voices Opposition to Gavin Newsom as Next President After Vetoing Menopause Support Bill

During her appearance at The New York Times Dealbook Summit, Halle Berry voiced sharp criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The actress highlighted Newsoms repeated vetoes of a bill aimed at supporting womens health, particularly menopause care.

Berry, the founder of Respin, a menopause-focused company, expressed frustration over the vetoed legislation. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has blocked our menopause bill two years in a row, she said. Hes overlooking women, half the population, and for that reason, he probably shouldnt be considered for president either.

The legislation in question sought to enhance research, education, and healthcare support for women navigating midlife and menopause. Berry emphasized the ongoing challenges women face, noting that society often undervalues women of her age.

In 2025, there is still much to explore and discuss regarding womens health, Berry explained. Women navigating midlife, considering their long-term wellbeing, are often ignored. Women my age are simply undervalued in this country.

Earlier, Berry co-authored a Time essay criticizing Newsom for rejecting the Menopause Care Equity Act while praising states like Illinois for advancing womens health initiatives. Starting January 2026, insurance plans in Illinois must cover all FDA-approved hormonal and non-hormonal menopause treatments, she wrote, highlighting the states efforts to prioritize women at every stage of life.

Berry made it clear that she speaks unapologetically for women. At 59, society expects me to fade into the background. Women are pressured to stay 35 forever, she said. Our worth shouldnt be measured by how young we look or how well we defy aging.

She also shared personal reflections on resilience, recalling experiences of bullying as a child in Cleveland. Berry described how she initially accepted mistreatment but resolved to never allow herself to be a victim again. Since sixth grade, I have refused to be misused or mistreated in any way, she stated. I will always stand up for myself.

Analysis: Halle Berry's Criticism of Governor Newsom and the Need for Menopause Legislation

Halle Berry's recent remarks at The New York Times Dealbook Summit have reignited the debate over women's health, specifically the lack of adequate support for menopause care. By pointing out Governor Gavin Newsom's vetoes of a bill that would provide critical resources for women navigating menopause, Berry sheds light on a pressing issue that remains largely under-addressed. The bill, which aimed to increase research, education, and healthcare support for women, was blocked by Newsom twice, despite its potential to improve lives for millions of women in California.

Berry's frustration is understandable, given the broader context of women’s health being sidelined by policymakers. With her background as the founder of Respin, a company dedicated to supporting women through menopause, Berry’s advocacy goes beyond a personal grievance; it reflects a systemic issue where women, especially those in midlife, often feel neglected by society. Her criticism of Newsom is not merely political; it's a call for greater attention to women’s health needs, which continue to be overlooked in state and national policy.

The actress’s comparison to Illinois, which recently passed the Menopause Care Equity Act, underscores the disparity in how different states approach women’s health. Starting January 2026, Illinois will require insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved menopause treatments, a stark contrast to California's inaction on the matter. This policy shift in Illinois demonstrates a commitment to women's well-being, whereas California’s repeated vetoes show a failure to prioritize these needs at the state level.

Berry also brings attention to the societal pressure on women, particularly those over 50, to maintain youthful appearances. Her statement, "Women my age are simply undervalued in this country," highlights a broader cultural issue where women are expected to remain perpetually young. At 59, Berry challenges this narrative, emphasizing that women’s worth should not be determined by how they defy aging, but by their resilience and contributions at all stages of life.

Berry’s bold stance on these issues, rooted in personal experience and professional commitment, calls for a reevaluation of how women's health, particularly menopause, is treated in public policy. With increasing recognition of the importance of menopause care, the hope is that more states will follow Illinois' lead in ensuring that women have the support they need during this significant life stage.

Sources:

• Halle Berry Says Gavin Newsom ‘Should Not Be Our Next President’ After Vetoing Bill For Menopause Support