California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded to criticism from actress Halle Berry over his veto of the Menopause Care Equity Act, after Berry publicly condemned the decision. Newsom had vetoed the bill in 2024, citing concerns that it would raise healthcare costs for working families.
Berry, who has been a vocal advocate for menopause care, criticised Newsom at The New York Times' Dealbook conference in December. Newsom later told TMZ that he had included the measure in the state budget for the following year, adding, 'She didn't know that.'
However, in an interview with The Cut published Tuesday, Berry said she had not heard from Newsom directly. 'It's disturbing when people say they're going to do things and then they don't,' she said. 'If he is going to run to be our next president, he can't sleep on women. Wake up, Gavin.'
Hours after the interview, a spokesperson for Newsom said in a statement: 'Ms. Berry's remarks are very unfortunate given the Governor's proposal put forward to support menopause care through the state budget, just as he said he would do in his veto message on AB 432.'
The Menopause Care Equity Act aimed to increase healthcare coverage and education for women experiencing menopause symptoms. Newsom had previously vetoed a similar bill, arguing the act was 'too far-reaching.' Berry countered in a Time magazine column that the veto showed 'a failure of Gov. Newsom's commitment to women.'
Newsom's office has expressed a desire to work with Berry on the issue, stating they are 'confident that by working together this year, we can expand access to essential menopause treatment while protecting women from higher bills.'
