West Virginia § 33-42-3 - 33-42-3. Definitions.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 33-42-3 — 33-42-3. Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-42-3. 33-42-3. Definitions.
For purposes of this article:
(1) "Advanced nurse practitioner" means a certified nurse-midwife, or an advanced nurse practitioner certified to practice in family practice, women's health (ob/gyn), or primary care adult, geriatric or pediatric practice, practicing within the lawful scope of that provider's practice.
(2) "Health benefits policy" means any individual or group plan, policy or contract for health care services issued, delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state by a health care corporation, health maintenance organization, accident and sickness insurer, fraternal benefit society, nonprofit hospital service corporation, nonprofit medical service corporation or similar entity, when the policy or plan covers hospital, medical or surgical expenses.
(3) "Partial-birth abortion" means an abortion in which the person performing the abortion partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the fetus and completing the delivery.
(4) "Physician performing a partial-birth abortion" means a doctor of medicine or osteopathy legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery in West Virginia, or any other individual who is legally authorized by the state to perform abortions: Provided, That any individual who is not a physician or not otherwise legally authorized by the state to perform abortions, but who nevertheless directly performs a partial-birth abortion, is subject to the provisions of this article.
(5) "Vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the fetus" means deliberately and intentionally delivering into the vagina a living fetus, or a substantial portion thereof, for the purpose of performing a procedure that the physician or person delivering the living fetus knows will kill the fetus, and kills the fetus.
(6) "Women's health care provider" means an obstetrician/ gynecologist, advanced nurse practitioner certified to practice in women's health (ob/gyn), certified nurse-midwife or physician assistant-midwife practicing within the lawful scope of that provider's practice.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 33-42-3
What does West Virginia Code § 33-42-3 cover?
Section 33-42-3 ("33-42-3. Definitions.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 33-42-3?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 33-42-3" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 33-42-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.