Gavin Newsom says Halle Berry misunderstood his menopause funding plan that is already in motion

WASHINGTON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom is speaking out again after Halle Berry sharply criticized his repeated vetoes of menopause care legislation. The actress recently accused the governor of “devaluing women,” prompting a wave of reaction online and at a high-profile New York forum. Newsom now says the actress misunderstood key details, insisting that his administration had already begun incorporating funding for the proposal into next year’s state budget. He added that discussions with Berry’s team were underway to clarify the situation. 

Gavin Newsom says Berry lacked key information on menopause bill 

Speaking to reporters at Newark Airport on Thursday, December 4, Newsom said Berry “didn’t know” that his administration had taken steps to support the menopause care proposal despite his vetoes. He noted that he had already spoken with her manager to clear up the confusion and emphasized that his team had been working to address the issue before her public comments. 

“We have ability to reconcile that, so we’re reconciling. I’ve included it in next year’s budget,” Newsom said. “She didn’t know that."

He added that the administration “already were in the process of fixing it,” framing his vetoes as driven by budget concerns rather than disagreement with the bill’s goals. Newsom had previously argued that the Menopause Care Equity Act, known as AB 432, would have unintentionally increased healthcare costs for millions of working women — a burden he said he was determined to avoid. 

In a prior statement responding to Berry’s remarks, his office said he maintains “deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy” and remains committed to collaborating with her and other stakeholders. The statement said his administration is confident they can expand access to essential menopause treatment while protecting women from higher healthcare expenses. 

Halle Berry’s criticism reignited debate on women’s health access 

Berry's comments at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit on December 3 reignited debate around women’s healthcare access and the governor’s broader political ambitions. The actress has been an outspoken supporter of the Menopause Care Equity Act, which seeks to improve access to treatments addressing symptoms associated with menopause.

“Back in my state of California, my very own governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row,” Berry said at the event. 

She questioned whether Newsom deserved a future on the national political stage. “With the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president," she added. 

Berry’s criticism drew national attention for linking the vetoes to larger concerns about gender equity. Her comments echoed frustration from women’s health advocates who argue that menopause care has long been neglected in both policy and funding priorities.