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A policy barring women who visit inmates at Virginia prisons from wearing tampons or menstrual cups set to take effect next month has been called off.

“Though the policy has not taken effect and is scheduled for October 6, I feel it appropriate to immediately suspend the newly developed policy until a more thorough review of its implementation and potential consequences are considered,” tweeted Brian Moran, the secretary of public safety, on Tuesday.

Moran said he had only recently learned of the policy.

In a memorandum earlier this month, the Virginia Department of Corrections said the measures were needed to keep contraband, particularly drugs, from entering prisons.

First reported on Monday, the policy was strongly criticized by the ACLU of Virginia, which argued that it could discourage visits from family and friends.

Such visits, the ACLU said, are of crucial importance for the rehabilitation of inmates and their eventual re-entry into society.

Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia, said Tuesday, “We hope that the public will stay engaged with and help Secretary Moran understand that this policy should never go into effect.”