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

Kenneth J. Meier and Deborah R. McFarlane

Journal of Public Policy, 1995, vol. 15, issue 3, 281-298

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.

Date: 1995
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cup:jnlpup:v:15:y:1995:i:03:p:281-298_01

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