Gov. Kotek urges OHSU to shut down controversial primate research center in Hillsboro

Published 12:42 pm Friday, March 28, 2025

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging Oregon Health & Science University to shutter its controversial primate research center in Hillsboro.

Tucked away on a quiet street near the border of Hillsboro and Beaverton, the primate center has contributed to scientific advancements for decades. However, it has long been a target of animal rights activists and medical ethicists who oppose the use of primates in research.

The facility is one of seven federally funded primate research centers in the United States. Supporters argue that such centers are essential for medical breakthroughs, citing past successes such as the development of polio treatments and COVID-19 vaccines.

But opponents say there are better ways to conduct this research without animal testing, and call the treatment of animals at the center “torture.” 

The primate center has become a point of contention as OHSU explores a merger with Legacy Health. The advocacy group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which has long opposed the center, has launched television ads and public campaigns urging residents to demand its closure as part of the acquisition of Legacy.

“Monkeys are being tortured and killed — using your tax dollars! Tell OHSU to shut down the primate facility and put those dollars towards patient care,” Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine states on its website. “The money spent on the enormous monkey facility could be better spent improving patient care — hiring more health care providers — and better pay for current staff — to ensure this merger means Oregon residents have the best possible care.”

These efforts may be gaining traction. Willamette Week reported on Thursday that Kotek is pressuring OHSU to close the center.

In a statement to this newspaper, Kotek spokesperson Elisabeth Shepard confirmed the governor’s position.

“While the Governor has very limited authority under Oregon law to weigh in on the proposed merger, she does believe that OHSU should figure out how to close its primate research center, just like Harvard University did ten years ago,” Shepard said in a written statement, which she also supplies to Willamette Week. “The Governor has directly advocated for OHSU leadership to complete their current research obligations and move towards shutting the center down in a humane and responsible manner. She will continue to advocate for this change at OHSU.”

Closing the facility, however, would be no small feat. The center houses approximately 5,000 animals, and rehoming them all would be a significant undertaking.

OHSU has not commented on its plans for the center.