In a striking public statement, actress Halle Berry took California Governor Gavin Newsom to task on Wednesday for his decision to veto the Menopause Care Equity Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at bolstering healthcare coverage for women undergoing menopause. The confrontation occurred just moments before Newsom was scheduled to speak at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit.
Berry, who has been a vocal advocate for women's health, especially regarding menopause awareness, expressed her disappointment with the governor's action. She highlighted the extensive efforts behind the legislation, which she supported for two years, emphasizing its importance for women's health.
The Menopause Care Equity Act sought to mandate health insurers to cover treatments for symptoms associated with hormonal changes during menopause and perimenopause. Additionally, the bill proposed continuing education for physicians treating menopausal patients, addressing the lack of comprehensive medical training on the subject.
Berry's criticism of Newsom was forthright. She accused the governor of neglecting the health concerns of women, which constitute half of the population, and suggested that his dismissal of the bill reflected a broader disregard for women's needs. She went so far as to question Newsom's qualifications for the presidency, a position he is rumored to be eyeing.
The actress shared her personal struggle with menopause, revealing that she had been misdiagnosed for a decade due to a lack of awareness and proper medical guidance. Berry's experience underscores the broader issue of how menopause is often misunderstood and stigmatized in both the healthcare system and society at large.
Berry's advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences. She has called for a cultural shift in how aging and menopause are perceived and treated, criticizing societal pressures on women to maintain a youthful appearance. She stressed the need for policymakers to take women's health seriously and to ensure that women, who often bear the brunt of family healthcare responsibilities, receive the support and information they need as they age.
The public rebuke from Berry has sparked discussions on women's health and the role of government in addressing gender-specific healthcare needs. Her comments highlight the ongoing debate over health equity and the representation of women in policy-making.
