California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing back after Halle Berry publicly criticized him for vetoing menopause care legislation two years in a row — saying she simply didn’t have all the information.
Speaking to reporters at Newark Airport on Dec. 4, Newsom clarified his stance on the Menopause Care Equity Act, the bill Berry passionately supported. The governor, 58, said he spoke with the actress’ manager and learned that Berry, 59, was unaware his administration plans to include funding for the proposal in California’s 2026–27 budget.
“She didn’t know that,” Newsom said. “We’re reconciling. We’ve already been in the process of fixing it.”
Berry’s fiery comments came a day earlier at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, where she took aim at Newsom’s decision to veto the bill — twice. The Menopause Care Equity Act would have made it easier for women to access treatments for menopause symptoms.
Calling out Newsom onstage, Berry said the governor “has devalued women” and suggested he “shouldn’t be our next president,” prompting gasps from the audience.
“Back in my great state of California, my very own governor has vetoed our menopause bill two years in a row,” Berry said. “With the way he has overlooked women — half the population — he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”
Following Berry’s comments, Newsom’s office released a statement saying he has “deep admiration” for Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to collaborating with her on women’s health issues.
His office explained the veto by saying the bill, as written, would have unintentionally increased health care costs for “millions of working women already stretched thin” — something he was determined to avoid.
The statement ended on an optimistic note: by working together, they believe they can expand access to menopause treatment without raising women’s medical expenses.
