Berry who has been an outspoken advocate for menopause awareness and improved midlife health care for women condemned Newsom for vetoing the Menopause Care Equity Act a bill she has publicly supported. The measure aimed to expand access to care and improve medical support for women experiencing menopause but Newsom rejected it twice.

Speaking onstage in New York Berry did not hold back when asked about the idea of Newsom running for president. “With the way he has overlooked women half the population by devaluing us in midlife he probably should not be the next president” she said. Her comments echoed frustration she also expressed online where she accused Newsom of overlooking and devaluing millions of women.

The actress argued that menopause care is long overdue for legislative attention and said Newsom’s repeated vetoes send a harmful signal. “That is fine because he is not going to be governor forever” Berry added suggesting that voters should take his decisions into account if he seeks national office.

Newsom who is often discussed as a potential Democratic presidential contender has not yet responded publicly to Berry’s criticism. Supporters of the veto say the bill’s costs and implementation issues required more review while advocates argue the legislation is essential for closing long standing gaps in women’s health.

Berry’s remarks have reignited debate about Newsom’s position on gender focused health policy and whether it could become a political liability if he eventually pursues the presidency.