Category: Public Figures and Political Commentary

Halle Berry is making it clear she has no reservations about speaking her mind, especially when it comes to issues affecting women. The actress and advocate recently took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticizing his decision to veto a crucial menopause bill, and even questioning his potential presidential aspirations.

A Governor’s Veto, An Advocate’s Outrage

During an appearance at The New York Times Dealbook Summit, Berry expressed her frustration. “Back 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,” she stated, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. She didn’t stop there, adding a pointed remark about his political future: “But that’s okay, because he’s not going to be governor forever, and the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us, he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”

The bill in question is the Menopause Care Equity Act, which Berry passionately supported. However, in October, Governor Newsom opted not to sign it. His office cited concerns that the bill’s broad coverage mandate and prohibition on utilization management were “too far-reaching” and could limit health plans’ ability to ensure appropriate care while controlling costs. Berry, however, described the veto as a “failure of Gov. Newsom’s commitment to women.”

The Impact of Neglect and Societal Expectations

Berry, who founded Respin, a digital health platform focused on women’s health issues like menopause, highlighted the real-world consequences of such neglect. “We can and must take practical, achievable steps to close this gap—and policymakers like Gov. Newsom need to step up,” she urged in a Time Magazine column. She emphasized that menopause affects nearly every woman, yet it’s a topic rarely discussed openly.

She drew a stark contrast, suggesting that if men experienced similar symptoms – like disrupted sleep, cognitive issues, and impacts on sex life – it would be declared a national health crisis. “When women are struggling silently through perimenopause and menopause, trying to hold their families, careers, relationships and communities together, it doesn’t just affect women, it affects every household,” Berry explained, noting that one in six women leave the workforce due to menopausal symptoms, impacting the economy.

Challenging Midlife Stigma

Berry also touched upon the societal pressure women face to remain relevant and desirable, particularly as they age. She feels that women in midlife, like herself at 59, are often devalued in Hollywood, the workplace, and society at large. “Our culture thinks that at 59 years old, I am past my prime, and that women my age start to become invisible in Hollywood, in the workplace, on social media,” she said. The pressure to appear younger, she noted, sets an unrealistic standard for women’s worth.

Ultimately, Berry is calling for a collective effort, urging both women and men, and especially leaders, to become more curious and engaged with topics like menopause. She believes this fight is not just for women but requires the support and understanding of everyone to create meaningful change.