For a policy to be deemed responsive, it must correspond with public opinion. For many policy arenas, this is not the case. Policies do not always correlate with public opinion. However, for the issue of abortion, implemented policy does correspond with the general opinion of the public. Over time, there has been consistency between policies and laws enacted and the general aggregate opinion of the nation as a whole, more so than most policy arenas.
             Until 1973, abortion was only legal if and only if the mothers life was in danger. However, Roe vs.
             Wade changed this, by legalizing abortion. It also gave individual states more discretion and gave states the
             right to add to the parameters of the decision made by the Supreme Court. This decision came at the height of public approval of abortion. During this time, the general opinion of the public was that abortion should be made legal. Since Roe vs. Wade, the policies have changed over time, but the general opinion of the public has not. The various policies implemented and court decisions have changed the law and how it can be interpereted, but has not changed how the public views abortion. It's not an issue that is easily manipulated by officials or activists.
             Abortion is considered a responsive domestic policy because the policies and court rulings have generally agreed with public opinion. Although opinion-poll results have changed slightly over time, the general consensus is that the public approves of abortion. However, to what extent the public approves of it is another topic of discussion. Most people believe that abortion should be "legal under some circumstances". Most people believe that if the pregnancy occurred from a rape or incest, or if the women's health or life is in danger, or if the child is going to have certain physical disabilities, then abortion should be a way to terminate the pregnancy. However, most people agree that abo
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