Notes on Nonprofit Pressure on OHSU's Primate Research Center

Overview

• Recent advertisements on TV and social media urge the closure of the Oregon National Primate Center in Hillsboro.
• The campaign is led by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit.

Key Players

• Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
  • Operates the Oregon National Primate Research Center.
  • Defends its research practices, stating adherence to state and federal guidelines.
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
  • Advocates for the closure of the research center.
  • Comprises physicians, dieticians, and scientists supporting alternative research methods that do not involve animals.

Main Arguments

• PCRM's Position
  • Urges shutdown before OHSU's merger with Legacy Health.
  • Criticizes animal testing as outdated and pushes for human-based research.
  • Dr. Neal Barnard, founder, emphasizes ethical and applicable research without animals.
  • Circulates a petition for the facility’s closure.
• OHSU's Defense
  • Argues that animal research is crucial for medical advancements.
  • Lists contributions of animal research to important medical breakthroughs (e.g., vaccines for COVID-19, polio, and smallpox).
  • Provides public tours and shares inspection reports online to promote transparency.

Impact and Implications

• Public Perception
  • Advertisements question OHSU's capacity for care, affecting its reputation.
• Future of Research
  • OHSU acknowledges future potential in non-animal research but describes it as a long-term goal.

Conclusion

• Ongoing debate about ethical research practices and the future of animal testing in scientific research.

References

• OHSU's Statement on PCRM Ad Campaign
• PCRM Petition
• OHSU Primate Research Center Tours
• OHSU Primate Research Center Inspection Reports