UPDATE: Halle Berry delivered an urgent message at the DealBook Summit on October 11, 2023, criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing the menopause bill, AB 432, for the second consecutive year. Berry’s remarks highlight a growing concern over the treatment of women, particularly as they age, in Hollywood and across the United States.
During her impassioned speech on stage, Berry condemned Newsom’s decision to reject the bill aimed at improving menopause care, stating, “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.” Her comments come as Newsom considers a potential presidential run in 2028.
AB 432, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, sought to enhance menopause care by mandating that health plans cover treatment recommendations and requiring menopause-related training for health providers. The bill’s rejection has sparked outrage among advocates for women’s health, emphasizing a cultural disregard for women as they age.
Berry, who founded the menopause-focused company Respin, expressed that women over 50 are frequently devalued in society. “In 2025, I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,” she stated. The actress highlighted the societal pressures placed on women to appear perpetually youthful, stating, “Women are pressured to stay forever 35.”
Speaking candidly, Berry revealed that she, too, feels the weight of these expectations. “We’re encouraged to contort our bodies and our faces in truly extreme ways to chase this elusive fountain of youth,” she admitted. “Sadly, I have to admit, I too feel this pressure every single day.”
Berry shared a poignant childhood memory reflecting her resilience. As a sixth grader in Cleveland, she was bullied and beaten by peers, a traumatic experience that she vowed would not define her. “I said, ‘No. I’m never going to allow this to happen to me again,’” she recalled, emphasizing her commitment to stand up for herself in the face of adversity.
Berry’s remarks have ignited discussions about the treatment of older women in various sectors, including entertainment and the workplace. Her passionate call for change aims to elevate the conversation around menopause care and the urgent need for legislation that recognizes women’s health issues.
The backlash against Newsom’s veto is expected to intensify as advocates push for improved menopause care and challenge the societal norms that devalue women as they age. As Berry stated, the time for change is now, as countless women navigate the complexities of midlife.
As this story develops, many will be watching closely to see how Newsom responds to Berry’s challenge and whether there will be renewed efforts to pass legislation addressing menopause care. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue.
