Actress Halle Berry has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing legislation aimed at improving menopause care. Speaking at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Berry expressed her disappointment with Newsom's actions, stating that he has overlooked the needs of women.

Berry, an advocate for menopause awareness, highlighted that Newsom vetoed the Menopause Care Equity Act, also known as Assembly Bill 432, not once but twice. "Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row," she said. She added that his disregard for women's health issues raises concerns about his potential presidential aspirations. "With the way he's overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either," Berry remarked.

The legislation Berry referred to aimed to expand insurance coverage for menopause-related medical treatments and required doctors to undergo training in menopause care. Newsom vetoed the bill in October, arguing that it would unintentionally increase healthcare costs for many working families. In a statement, a spokesperson for Newsom said, "The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue. He shares her goal of expanding access to menopause care that too many women struggle to get."

Berry's advocacy for menopause care has gained momentum in recent years. She emphasized the importance of addressing women's health issues, stating, "If men had a medical condition that disrupted their sleep, brain function, and sex life, we’d be calling that a health crisis on par with COVID." She called on both women and men to join the fight for better healthcare access, noting that the struggles women face during menopause impact families, workplaces, and the economy.

In her remarks, Berry urged women to be vocal about their health needs. "Refuse to be diminished during one of the most important seasons of your life. The days of outliving men but doing it in poor health are over. Why? Because we simply deserve better — we are half the population," she said.

Berry has been a strong supporter of AB 432 since its introduction by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. Following the veto, she co-authored an opinion piece arguing that the bill's goals were achievable and that its rejection represented a failure of Newsom's commitment to women's health.

As the conversation around menopause care continues, Berry remains determined to advocate for change. "At this stage in my life, I have zero f---- to give, and I am going to fight like hell because my longevity depends on it," she stated.

The ongoing debate over menopause care in California highlights the need for increased awareness and support for women's health issues, as advocates like Berry push for legislative changes that address these critical concerns.