Any well-thought-out atheist would most probably agree with the following train of thought:
1. Life is a "process" as defined by all mainstream dictionaries.
2. Science tells us that an individual's lifecycle process begins when that individual's DNA footprint comes into being.
***********************
Dictionary definition of "process" -
(1): a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result
(2): a continuing natural or biological activity or function b: a series of actions or operations conducing to an end;