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Statutory Coherence and Policy Implementation: The Case of Family Planning*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2009

Kenneth J. Meier  and
Deborah R. McFarlane
Kenneth J. Meier
Affiliation:
Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Deborah R. McFarlane
Affiliation:
Public Administration, University of New Mexico
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Abstract

Policy theory suggests that coherent statutes – those with precise, clear goals, supported by an adequate causal theory, with clear administrative responsibilities, clear implementation rules, and assigned to committed agencies – are more likely to have their intended impact. Using the Mazmanian and Sabatier policy implementation framework, this article examines U.S. family planning policies with a pooled time series analysis from 1982 to 1988. Of the four family planning statutes, only Title X, the categorical grant program, meets the criteria of a coherent statute. The data analysis reveals that a dollar spent through Title X has a much greater impact on birth rates, abortion rates, late prenatal care, and infant and neonatal mortality than does a dollar spent through other programs. The results are strong evidence in support of designing policies with coherent statutes.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Public Policy , Volume 15 , Issue 3 , September 1995 , pp. 281 - 298
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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