Halle Berry’s most recent headlines center on her outspoken advocacy for women’s health and aging, especially around menopause. She has been using high‑profile platforms to criticize how American culture and politics treat women in midlife and beyond, tying it directly to policy fights over menopause care and broader gender equity in healthcare and Hollywood.
Spotlight on Menopause Advocacy
In early December 2025, Halle Berry delivered a high‑visibility talk at the New York Times DealBook Summit, where she described menopause as an area that remains neglected despite growing public conversation. She argued that women in their late 50s are often treated as if they are “past their prime,” saying that women her age become socially and professionally invisible and are pressured to “stay forever 35.” She framed menopause not only as a medical issue but as a cultural and economic one, calling for better support, research, and recognition of women navigating midlife and planning for longevity.
Criticism of Political Leadership
Berry’s advocacy has extended directly into policy debates, particularly around the Menopause Care Equity Act in California, which she has publicly supported. The bill, aimed at improving access and standards for menopause‑related care, was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom for two consecutive years, drawing sharp criticism from Berry. On stage at the DealBook Summit, she condemned the vetoes as an example of how political leaders devalue women, going so far as to suggest that Newsom’s record on women’s health means he should not be the next president. Her remarks underscored a broader argument that overlooking menopause and midlife women is a form of systemic disregard for half the population.
Public Persona and Next Chapter
Berry has positioned this advocacy as part of what she calls her “next fight,” presenting herself not just as an actress but as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of the wellness brand Respin focused on holistic health. In recent appearances, she has emphasized that at this stage of her life she “has zero [cares] left to give,” leaning into a candid, unapologetic public persona. That tone has resonated with many women who see their own experiences reflected in her critique of ageism, sexism, and the beauty ideals that dominate Hollywood and social media.
Media and Public Reaction
Coverage of Berry’s DealBook remarks has highlighted both the substance of her policy critique and the bluntness of her comments about Newsom’s presidential ambitions. Supporters online have praised her for using her platform to spotlight menopause, a topic many still find uncomfortable or stigmatized, and for demanding political accountability on women’s health. Some commentators, however, have noted the potential political fallout of such direct attacks, debating whether celebrities should intervene so forcefully in electoral conversations tied to specific legislation.
Continuing Influence
Berry’s latest advocacy suggests that her public role is increasingly defined by activism as much as by acting. By combining personal experience, policy engagement, and cultural critique, she is seeking to push menopause and midlife women’s health into the center of mainstream political and economic conversations. As the Menopause Care Equity Act and similar efforts evolve, Berry is likely to remain a prominent voice in debates over how the healthcare system and the entertainment industry treat women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Sources
1. Halle Berry, 59, Blasts Treatment of Menopausal Women in America
2. “The Age of Change: My Next Fight” with Halle Berry - YouTube
