California Gov. Gavin Newsom has added millions of dollars for menopause-related health services to the state budget following public criticism from actress Halle Berry, who recently faulted him for vetoing legislation aimed at expanding menopause care coverage, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
In his newly unveiled budget, Newsom included $3.4 million in funding dedicated to menopause and perimenopause services within California’s roughly $350 billion spending plan.
The funding was included without public fanfare and appears as a line item in budget documents.
According to those documents, the allocation includes $3 million from the state’s general fund, along with “$391,000 Managed Care Fund ongoing, to support health care coverage for perimenopause and menopause, including enrollee access to care, provider education, and a statewide public awareness campaign.”
The move follows criticism Berry delivered onstage weeks earlier, where she took direct aim at Newsom for vetoing menopause-related legislation in consecutive years.
“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,” Berry said.
“But that’s OK, 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.”
WOW: Actress Halle Berry STUNNED the crowd at Wednesday’s New York Times DealBook Summit by NUKING California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“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. But… pic.twitter.com/Y3vC1oJhlT [2]
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) December 4, 2025 [3]
Berry’s remarks drew national attention, particularly as Newsom continues to be discussed as a potential future national political figure.
Following the public exchange, Newsom addressed the issue in comments to TMZ, where he said the two were “reconciling” and that menopause funding had already been under consideration.
A spokesperson for Newsom later told Page Six that the governor “has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue.”
“He shares her goal of expanding access to menopause care that too many women struggle to get,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also defended Newsom’s prior vetoes, explaining that the legislation raised cost concerns.
“He vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women already stretched thin — something he’s determined to avoid.”
They added, “We’re confident that by working together this year, we can expand access to essential menopause treatment while protecting women from higher bills.”
The bill referenced by Berry and the governor’s office was Assembly Bill 432. Newsom vetoed AB 432 in October, citing affordability concerns.
The measure would have required insurers to cover menopause care, a mandate Newsom argued could have increased premiums or out-of-pocket costs.
Berry’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment following the budget announcement.
The newly added funding represents a shift in approach, moving from insurance mandates to direct state-supported funding and education efforts.
Budget documents indicate the money will be used to improve access to care, educate providers, and increase public awareness across California.
The budget must still move through the legislative process before final approval.