The Taoiseach has responded to Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan's list of 34 questions about the Government's proposed referendum on abortion and its accompanying legislation.
In the letterMr Ahern says the Government proposal does not "reinterpret" or "redefine" the term "unborn" as used in Article 40.3.3. of the Constitution.
"The legislation, if enacted, protects the unborn by providing that 'unborn human life after implantation in the womb of a woman' should be protected from the 'intentional destruction' by a restated criminal offence of abortion", Mr Ahern tells Mr Noonan in the letter.
The letter continues: "the Government’s proposals will result, it is hoped, in the enactment of a law which is clear as to its meaning and as to its effect".
The letter also states that the Government "is not in a position to speak on the behalf of any Church".
"The amendment proposed by the Government, and the legislation envisaged by that amendment, does not attempt to define 'human life' or to state when human life, as such, commences", it reads.
"The envisaged legislation would make it a criminal offence to intentionally destroy human life after implantation in the womb of a woman. The offence has limited scope but that does not mean that unborn human life as protected in the Constitution has been reduced as regards its scope."
Mr Ahern says a full consultation process took place prior to the announcement of the referendum. He says over four years groups were consulted including medical practitioners, women’s groups, political parties, organised campaigners, trade unions, family planning and pregnancy advisory bodies, lawyers, church representatives, and interested individuals.
Full textof the letter from the Taoiseach to Mr Noonan