DOJO — Actress Halle Berry delivered a fiery call to action on women’s health this week, urging both women and men to “fight like hell” for better menopause care — and sharply criticizing California Gov. Gavin Newsom for vetoing a major menopause bill two years in a row.

Speaking at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Berry said Newsom has “overlooked women” and “devalued” half the population by blocking legislation meant to expand access to menopause treatment in California. She warned the audience that such decisions should disqualify him from a future presidential run.

What Happened at the DealBook Summit?

Berry, 59, spoke on stage just minutes before Newsom’s own appearance, using the moment to highlight her advocacy for menopausal health and her personal journey through the transition.

After praising Illinois for becoming the first state to mandate coverage for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), she turned her attention to California.

“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,” Berry said, drawing a wave of gasps from the crowd.

She continued:

“With the way he has overlooked women — half the population — by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president.”

The governor has publicly said he will consider a 2028 presidential bid after the 2026 midterms.

The Vetoed Bill: What It Would Have Done

Berry was referring to AB 432, a bill that would have:

• Expanded insurance coverage for menopause-related care
• Required medical providers to complete updated training on perimenopause and menopause
• Incentivized doctors to specialize in menopausal care
• Helped millions of women access treatment for symptoms often dismissed as “just aging”

Newsom vetoed the bill in both 2023 and 2024.

His office said the legislation could have raised healthcare costs for millions of working women — something he claimed he was determined to avoid.

A spokesperson responded directly to Berry:

“The governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy. He shares her goal of expanding access to menopause care… He vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised healthcare costs for working families.”

Berry: “Women Deserve Better — Period.”

Berry didn’t hold back as she spoke about the stigma and silence surrounding menopause.

She told the audience that women are pressured to “stay forever 35,” and that society treats menopausal women as if they become invisible.

“The days of outliving men but doing it in poor health are over,” she said.
“We deserve better — we are half the population.”

Berry said she plans to keep fighting because:

“I have zero f—- left to give. My longevity depends on it. My daughter’s longevity depends on it. Women everywhere depend on it.”

Why This Matters

Menopause affects every woman, yet remains one of the most underfunded, under-discussed areas of healthcare. Berry has become one of the loudest voices pushing for change, launching her menopause-focused wellness company Respin Health and advocating for state and federal legislation.

Her decision to publicly confront a sitting governor — and potential future presidential candidate — has already sparked national conversation online, with many praising her honesty and others questioning the political timing.

Either way, Berry’s message was unmistakable:

Women’s health is not optional — and politicians who overlook it will be called out.