Is it permissible for the mother to perform the 'Aqiqah for the newborn if the father refuses to do so?

The one who is responsible for the 'aqiqah is the one obligated to provide for the newborn, who is the father according to the Maliki and Hanbali schools of thought. If the father refuses to perform the 'aqiqah and the mother wishes to do so, she should seek the father's permission. If he insists on refusing, she may perform the 'aqiqah despite his refusal.