Halle Berry took a bold swing at California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of undermining women by vetoing a crucial menopause bill not once, but twice.
Halle Berry, the acclaimed actress and entrepreneur, has recently stepped into the spotlight as a passionate advocate for women’s health. During her appearance at the New York Times DealBook Summit, she didn’t hold back in criticizing the governor.
Halle Berry candidly addressed menopause and the broader health care challenges women face in midlife, emphasizing that these topics are often overlooked.
“He’s overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife,” she declared, adding with a straightforward tone, “He probably should not be our next president either, just saying.”
Over the past two years, Newsom has vetoed AB 432, a California bill aimed at enhancing insurance coverage for menopause treatment and encouraging doctors to specialize in this area. The bill could have significantly benefited millions of women grappling with symptoms that can last up to a decade, impacting their mental health, energy levels, and overall daily life.
Halle Berry was unambiguous about her concerns regarding the veto, commending Illinois for being the first state to mandate coverage for hormone replacement therapy while highlighting California’s stagnation under Newsom’s leadership. In response, Newsom’s office claimed that the bill would likely increase healthcare costs for many working women and families.
Menopause typically remains a topic shrouded in silence or muted discussions, with symptoms often dismissed as a natural part of aging. Yet, as Halle Berry pointed out, “normal” doesn’t mean something should be neglected. She has emerged as a pivotal figure in the conversation around menopause, even launching a women’s health company focused specifically on menopause.
