Overview
- Halle Berry told the New York Times DealBook Summit that Gavin Newsom "probably should not be our next president," citing his vetoes of menopause legislation and his treatment of midlife women.
- AB 432, known as the Menopause Care Equity Act, would have mandated comprehensive insurance coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause treatments and required menopause-specific continuing medical education.
- Newsom vetoed the bill again in October, saying its expansive coverage mandate and limits on utilization management were too far‑reaching and risked higher health costs.
- Spokesperson Izzy Gardon said Newsom admires Berry’s advocacy, contends the bill as written would raise costs for working women, and signaled willingness to work on a narrower approach to expand access.
- Berry’s remarks drew audible gasps in the room; Newsom later appeared on the same stage without addressing her comments, as the policy fight increasingly intersects with his 2028 prospects.