Halle Berry’s Bold Critique of Menopause Care and Governor Newsom
Halle Berry made a definitive mark on the conversation about women’s health at the New York Times DealBook Summit, delivering a sharp critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Her focus: Newsom’s vetoes of the Menopause Care Equity Act, which aims to provide essential health coverage and education for women experiencing menopause. This bill, rejected for two consecutive years, highlights a growing frustration among advocates regarding the lack of attention to midlife women’s health needs.
Berry didn’t hold back. Addressing an influential audience, she pointedly noted, “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 crystallized her argument by emphasizing the overlooked plight of women: “He’s overlooked half the population.” Berry’s remarks reflected an urgent call for recognition, tapping into a broader issue that affects millions of women navigating similar challenges.
The audience’s reaction spoke volumes. Attendees reportedly gasped as Berry challenged not just Newsom’s decision-making but also questioned his presidential ambitions. “With the way he’s overlooked women—half the population—by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either! Just saying!” The reaction underscored the stark reality of a political discourse that often sidelines issues vital to half the population.
The Menopause Care Equity Act aimed to rectify glaring deficiencies in health care for midlife women. It sought to mandate insurance coverage for menopause-related evaluation and treatment, along with enhanced education requirements for physicians serving predominantly female patients. Despite overwhelming support from advocates, the bill was shot down by Newsom under the pretense of cost concerns, leading to frustration among healthcare activists who argue that such concerns neglect the profound societal and economic costs of inadequate care.
Berry passionately articulated this perspective, noting that more than 1.3 million American women enter menopause each year, and reported that 75% of women seeking medical assistance for menopausal symptoms felt that their doctors lacked proper training. Her personal stake as a perimenopause patient adds a touching yet impactful weight to her advocacy.
Newsom’s stance revolved around potential increases in health insurance premiums and disruption of cost-effective care management. His spokesperson asserted, “The governor vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women.” While this is the administration’s position, Berry and her allies argue that the long-term effects of ignoring women’s health issues could far exceed short-term fiscal concerns—pointing to lost productivity and escalating health issues as tangible consequences of inaction.
In a recent op-ed for Time, Berry stated that failing to address menopause care carries “real consequences.” She cited a staggering potential loss of productivity that could total tens of billions of dollars. Her urgency was clear—the health system’s neglect of half the population comes at a steep cost that taxpayers might one day have to bear. Furthermore, with an estimated 5 million women in California experiencing menopause, advocates insist that changes in health policy could yield both improved health outcomes and economic benefits, especially for low-income women who lack access to necessary care.
After Berry’s powerful speech, the stage was set for Newsom, who didn’t publicly engage with her criticisms during his later appearance. His administration later reiterated his commitment to finding common ground on women’s health issues, emphasizing cost containment while raising questions about accountability for those in power.
The exchange highlighted Newsom’s precarious position as a potential presidential candidate. Observers believe that his response—or lack thereof—to Berry’s challenge will resonate with an electorate increasingly aware of women’s health concerns. As Berry put it, “I’m encouraging women: be bold, be loud.” Her impassioned call for more involvement from both women and men underscores an urgent message that leaders at all levels cannot afford to ignore any longer.
With her delivery in New York, Berry has lit a fire under the dialogue surrounding women’s health policy at a crucial moment. The issues she raised are likely to linger as the 2028 election season approaches, placing renewed pressure on candidates to address the health care needs of women over 50. As Berry emphasized, this is a vital conversation that society can no longer afford to sideline. The stakes have risen, and those in power are being called to account. Berry’s assertion that women “deserve better” becomes a rallying cry for change—one that may ultimately shape future policy discussions and electoral outcomes.
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