Final answer:
Yes, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus during childbirth if the mother has an active genital HPV infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human papillomavirus (HPV) can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. This is known as vertical transmission. Although the transmission of HPV from mother to fetus is relatively rare, it can occur during childbirth if the mother has an active genital HPV infection. The baby can contract the virus and develop various complications, such as respiratory papillomatosis, which affects the throat and voice box.