"Women Over a Certain Age Are Undervalued in This Country": Halle Berry Criticizes Gavin Newsom for Vetoing Menopause Bill

Halle Berry openly condemned California Governor Gavin Newsom after he vetoed the Menopause Care Equity Act for the second year in a row. The legislation aimed to improve access to medical treatments for individuals experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

During a candid speech at The New York Timess Dealbook Summit, Berry, 59, expressed her frustration with the governors decision. She highlighted the broader issue of how women in midlife are undervalued in society and emphasized that this oversight reflects a disregard for half the population.

Berry, who runs a womens wellness company called Respin Health dedicated to redefining menopause and longevity, has been vocal about womens health. She previously shared her personal experience of being misdiagnosed with herpes when her symptoms were actually related to perimenopause.

Addressing the summit audience, Berry said, Back in California, Governor Newsom vetoed the menopause bill not once, but twice. But thats okay, because hes not permanent in his role, and the way he has neglected women indicates he may not be suited for higher office either. Her forthright comments reportedly caused audible reactions from attendees.

Berry continued, At this stage of life, I refuse to stay silent. In 2025, theres still so much to discuss, especially for women navigating midlife and thinking about their longevity. Women my age are devalued in this country.

She also critiqued societal standards around aging, stating, Our culture treats 59 as past ones prime. Women in this age group often become invisible in media, workplaces, and social platforms. Society praises women only if they appear to defy aging, as if that determines their value.

Author: Caleb Jennings