Jane Nicklinson, widow of locked-in syndrome sufferer Tony, has lost a battle to take his case to the Court of Appeal - but a second sufferer has got the green light.
Stroke victim Mr Nicklinson, a 58-year-old father-of-two from Melksham, Wiltshire, died in August a week after losing a High Court fight to be allowed to have a doctor help him end his life.
Ms Nicklinson had vowed to fight on before today's ruling.
The second man, "Martin," cannot be named for legal reasons but is known to have suffered a massive stroke in August 2008.
He is unable to speak, is virtually unable to move and has described his life as "undignified, distressing and intolerable," saying he is seeking a "dignified suicide."
His lawyers said the High Court ruling in August had deprived 47-year-old Martin of "the opportunity to take the necessary steps to end his own life."