Halle Berry slams Gavin Newsom over vetoed menopause care bill at NYT summit
Halle Berry has spoken out against California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a bill aimed at improving menopause care. Her sharp criticism came during a high-profile appearance at The New York Times Dealbook Summit. The audience reportedly reacted with surprise as she questioned Gavin Newsom’s suitability for higher office.
Berry also shared personal struggles, including a misdiagnosis linked to perimenopause and broader concerns about how society treats ageing women.
Berry’s remarks targeted Gavin Newsom’s decision to block the Menopause Care Equity Act for the second year in a row. The proposed law sought to simplify access to medical treatments for perimenopause and menopause. She argued that his repeated vetoes showed a lack of support for women’s health issues.
At the summit, her comments extended beyond policy. Berry revealed that her own doctor had once misdiagnosed her with herpes, failing to recognise her symptoms as perimenopausal. She tied this experience to a wider problem: women facing pressure to appear youthful and being judged harshly as they age.
The actress and entrepreneur, who runs Respin Health—a wellness business focused on menopause and longevity—has long advocated for better care in this area. Her public backing of the Menopause Care Equity Act aligns with her business mission. Yet, despite her efforts, the bill remains stalled after Gavin Newsom’s latest rejection.
Berry’s critique went further when she suggested Gavin Newsom’s actions made him unfit for the presidency. The statement drew audible gasps from the crowd, highlighting the weight of her words in a political climate where women’s health is increasingly debated.
Gavin Newsom’s veto leaves the Menopause Care Equity Act in limbo once again. Halle Berry’s high-profile intervention puts renewed pressure on lawmakers to address gaps in menopause treatment. Her personal story and business focus underscore the real-world impact of policy decisions on women’s health.
