Hollywood Star Challenges Governor Over Women's Healthcare Veto
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry has revealed she remains waiting for California Governor Gavin Newsom to personally contact her regarding his controversial veto of the Menopause Care Equity Act last year. The Monster's Ball star, who has become a prominent advocate for women's health issues, expressed her frustration in a recent interview with The Cut, questioning the governor's commitment to women's healthcare.
Public Criticism and Political Response
Berry initially condemned Newsom's decision during The New York Times' Dealbook conference in December, describing his veto as "unfortunate." The governor responded through TMZ later that month, stating he had included menopause care funding in the upcoming budget and suggesting Berry was unaware of this development. However, in her latest comments, the actress maintains no direct communication has occurred.
"It's disturbing when people say they're going to do things and then they don't," Berry told the publication. She added a pointed political warning: "If he is going to run to be our next president, he can't sleep on women. Wake up, Gavin."
Governor's Office Defends Budget Approach
Hours after Berry's interview was published, Newsom's spokesperson issued a statement to The Independent defending the governor's position. The statement described Berry's remarks as "very unfortunate" given Newsom's budget proposal to support menopause care, which he had promised in his original veto message for Assembly Bill 432.
The spokesperson emphasized: "The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry's advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue. He shares her goal of expanding access to menopause care that too many women struggle to get."
Legislative Background and Competing Perspectives
The vetoed California legislation aimed to significantly increase healthcare coverage and educational resources for women experiencing menopause symptoms. Newsom explained his decision in a letter to legislators, arguing the act was "too far-reaching" and would have "unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women and working families already stretched thin."
Berry has consistently challenged this assessment, writing in a Time magazine column last November that the veto represented "a failure of Gov. Newsom's commitment to women." She argued insurance premiums would not be substantially affected and emphasized the importance of addressing what she calls a neglected aspect of women's healthcare.
Personal Advocacy and Political Implications
Now approaching 60, Berry has framed her advocacy as a central focus for her "second act." She told The Cut: "Fighting for women's health feels like a formidable cause... Women are as confused as I am on this midlife journey and I felt like I had to do something."
The public disagreement occurs against a backdrop of persistent speculation about Newsom's potential presidential ambitions, adding political weight to what might otherwise be a policy disagreement. The governor's office maintains confidence that collaboration this year can achieve expanded access to menopause treatment while avoiding increased costs for California women.
