NAMES IN THE NEWS : Dr. Elizabeth Morgan Seeks New Zealand Medical License

U.S. plastic surgeon Elizabeth Morgan, who spent more than two years in jail rather than reveal the whereabouts of her daughter Hilary in hiding in New Zealand, is seeking a license to practice here.

“Dr. Morgan has inquired about her eligibility for registration in New Zealand and it is being considered,” Medical Council Secretary Georgina Jones said today.

Morgan, who accused her husband of sexually molesting their child, spent more than two years behind bars for refusing to tell a U.S. judge where Hilary, now 7, was being hidden. She came to New Zealand in March to continue the battle with her former husband, Eric Foretich.

Hilary’s fate is now being decided in the New Zealand city of Christchurch by a family court, which works in strictest secrecy. The child lives there with her maternal grandparents.

Morgan has applied for permanent residence in New Zealand, while Foretich, a dentist, is back in Virginia, awaiting word on the case.

It could take several months before any application by Morgan is considered by authorities. Her prison spell will be taken into account, Jones said.

“Whatever happens, if she is approved for some form of registration, it would need to be under supervision,” Jones said. “Assessing doctors, especially specialists with overseas qualifications, takes some time and it may be some months before the decision.”